RICHARD Lawson was thrilled to be a part of the Poole Pirates treble winning side and he is looking forward to returning next season to defend their titles.

The Pirates number one was on fine form yet again at Wimborne Road last Wednesday as Poole secured the KO Cup to win the 2024 treble.

Lawson contributed a 12+1 score to an eventual 57-33 second leg victory over Oxford Cheetahs, mirroring their first leg win to secure a 114-66 aggregate win.

Reflecting on the achievements of the Pirates side this season, Rocketman Lawson told the Daily Echo: “Awesome. [The] treble, I've never done that personally.

(Image: Richard Crease) “It's been a hell of a season and a just reward, I feel, for the whole team and their supporters.”

On the meeting itself, Pirates held a big lead going into the home meeting, with Lawson saying the side knew they had one hand on the trophy.

“We also had our feet on the ground and anything can happen and we just wanted to click it off, make it confirmed as quickly as possible.

“Everyone rode well and yeah, it was a pretty straightforward meeting and just as soon as we got it over the line, I think it was heat 8, the emotions started kicking in there.”

The 38-year-old has already been confirmed as a Pirates rider for 2025, signing on and announcing his commitment at his testimonial in September to extend his stay on the south coast after joining in 2022.

(Image: Richard Crease) Looking ahead to next season, Lawson said: “I can't wait. Yeah, [it’s] exciting.

“It's always harder to defend than I think to win it.

“I'm sure they're going to build a great team and I'm really chuffed to bits to be back and can't wait to defend all three.”