Classy Cook takes it to the max as Poole Pirates ensure SGB Championship top-spot

Skipper Zach Cook powered his way to a 15-point maximum, as Poole Pirates ensured they finished top of the SGB Championship in 2026. 

The Aussie was in sublime form as he totalled an unblemished 15 points from five rides, in a resounding 59-31 home triumph over Plymouth Gladiators.

Only Plymouth guest Troy Batchelor (12) put up some resistance against Cook, with the Poole skipper pulling off two remarkable passes in both heats 13 and 15. 

Victory and a bonus point in the league standings meant Neil Middleditch’s side have an unassailable lead at the summit of the division heading into the play-offs.

Reflecting on his night’s work. Cook said: "I was happy with that. It can be hard to pass here sometimes, so yeah, to get in twice in the same way is good. 

“I didn't think it was going to happen in heat fifteen. I thought he (Batchelor) would have wrecked me, but luckily he didn't and I got past there and it feels good to get a full house. 

??‍?? ZACH AT IT AGAIN!

?? The skipper times it to perfection, making the pass in a drag race right to the line!

??‍?? #PiratePride pic.twitter.com/GQKg5l4afA

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) August 26, 2026

“But these performances don't really matter. It is what we do in the play-offs and the finals. No one remembers these things, so that is your aim - keep the ball rolling, keep the momentum going into the big meetings and we'll see if we can collect those trophies."

Pirates now know they will face the team finishing fourth in the league table in their play-off semi-final, when the rest of the league’s fixtures are concluded. 

Poole are still in the hunt for two trophies this season, having also reached the final of the BSN Series. They will await either Redcar Bears or Berwick Bandits in the finale of that competition.