ZEALOUS ZACH'S DOUBLE DELIGHTS PIRATES

6/06/23

Poole picked up their first away league points, at their first attempt, in a rollercoaster of a meeting that concluded in a 46-44 victory over arch rivals Plymouth.

The Pirates, who had led by six two thirds of the way through the affair, saw that lead whittle away after some controversial incident rulings, and looked to be on the back foot as Plymouth recorded back to back 5-1 scores in heats twelve and thirteen.

A vital gate, at the third time of asking in heat fourteen by Zach Cook, backed up by Kyle Newman sent Poole ahead again and team boss Neil Middleditch immediately invited Cook, a former Gladiator, to return for an encore, partnered this time by brother Ben.

After seeing Zach respond perfectly Middlo commented, "We just needed to get a heat share in the last one and I felt that if we could get out the gate quick then we were in with a great shout of holding on for the win. Zach was sharp in heat fourteen so I asked him if he was up for doing it again and the lad was just superb. I am really pleased for him. It was a big ask but he proved he was good enough.
"I admit I am a relieved man tonight. At one stage it looked as if we might get the win in the bag a little earlier, but credit to Plymouth they fought back well. Yes there were some decisions that on another night might have gone a bit different but that's speedway."

The two sides meet again tomorrow (Wednesday 7th) at Wimborne Road when a Poole victory would be worth three points, with both sides expected to field the same sides as they did in this thriller.

PLYMOUTH 44 - Richie Worrall 11+3 (2',3,3,2',1') ,Kyle Howarth 11 (3,2,1,3,2) ,Ben Barker 9+1 (3,3,1,0,2') ,Ben Trigger 4 (1,3,0,N2) ,Dan Gilkes 4 (F,0,3,1) ,Jake Turner 3 (FD,0,TS,3,0) ,Ben Morley 2 (1,0,1,0)

POOLE 46 - Zach Cook 11+2 (1',2,2',3,3) ,Kyle Newman 8+3 (2',1,2',RS,1,2') ,Steve Worrall 7 (2,2,2,1) ,Ben Cook 6+1 (2,1',3,0,0) ,Richard Lawson 6 (1,3,2,0) ,Anders Rowe 5+2 (0,1',3,1') ,Adam Roynon 3 (3,0,RS,0,RS)

Detailed Match Report and Scores