BEN Cook described as a “good feeling” his run of victories in Poole Pirates’ 52-38 win over Scunthorpe Scorpions.
The Poole captain completed a perfect night, winning all five of his races, most of which came with ease.
The Aussie has showed a clear uptick in speed in recent weeks and is finding peak form at the perfect time, with the business end of the season approaching.
Discussing his night’s work at Wimborne Road for the table-topping Pirates, Cook said: “It’s a good feeling when things are working, making starts.
“Life’s a lot easier when you’re out in front.
“It’s probably the first time this year where I’ve had a clean set of heels.
“Hopefully a few more of them.”
(Image: Richard Crease)
As well as achieving a first maximum in almost a year, the 26-year-old was also named rider of the night by the meeting sponsors for the first time this season.
“All the boys have been going pretty good this year, so it’s been a hard job to get it this year,” said Cook.
“But it’s good, it means everyone is doing their job and some, so I’ll take it.”
Poole sit top of the table, six points clear of nearest challengers Scunthorpe, having pulled away late in the meeting to turn the four-point lead on the night into a 14-point advantage.
Cook said: “You expect the top boys to be banging in massive points every week and it’s good that the middle order boys and the reserves are doing their job, making life a bit easier for us.
“It’s good, long may it continue.”
He added: “Some calls didn’t go our way, for sure. But there’s no excuses.
“We just had to get out there and show them what we can do.
“I’m pretty sure we did that at the end of the meeting. We made some starts and away we went.”
One big call that went against Poole was the controversial exclusion of Tom Brennan in heat 11, which ultimately cost him a paid maximum also.
Brennan went down under the close attention of Kyle Howarth on the opening lap, with referee Christina Turnbull opting against calling all four riders back.
“It’s one of those things,” said Brennan.
“We obviously have to be very respectful of the referees, they are here to do a job.
“But unfortunately things haven’t gone my way recently.
“Almost every single decision this year has been against me, which is a funny one.
“But I am just going to have to take it on the chin.”
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