Captain Ben Cook believes Poole Pirates will ‘keep getting better’

A dominant 55-35 win over Plymouth Gladiators on Wednesday night pushed Poole to top spot in the standings, despite having ridden fewer meetings than their nearest challengers.

Poole will look to pull clear over the next week, with three away league meetings on the cards in the space of eight days, starting at Redcar Bears on Friday (7.30pm).

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Cook, who impressed in scoring 12+1 against the Gladiators, said: “I changed up a bit of equipment.

“It was the first time really I’ve actually felt comfortable around here and had some speed, which is nice.

“A bit to work on and keep it going for now.

“It was a good performance from the boys. A little bit better from myself as well, which is good.

“I can’t complain at all. The boys dug in deep and showed what we can do around here.

“I think we’re only going to keep getting better as well.”

As well as the three away league meetings, Poole also host Scunthorpe Scorpions next Wednesday in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final.

Pirates number one Richard Lawson said: “This is more like it – a good run of fixtures is what it should be like, definitely throughout the summer.

“We’re looking forward to that, keeping this momentum going.”

Lawson scored 10+1 against Plymouth, from four rides. He was beaten by an opponent just once, losing his steel shoe as he tried to hunt down Gladiators guest Drew Kemp in heat 10.

“It was a good night for us all,” said the Cumbrian.

“I enjoyed it. I had a few little mechanical gremlins – snapped a frame, so had to swap bikes halfway through.

“Other than that, dropped one point, so fair play to Drew.

“I thought he rode well in the latter part of the meeting and made us work.”