Ford's focus on BSN Series progress ahead of crunch tie with Oxford

Promoter Danny Ford insisted Poole Pirates had no desire to give up their BSN Series crown as they go into battle against Oxford Cheetahs on Wednesday (7.30pm).

The winners of the clash at Wimborne Road will secure their spot in the semi-finals of the competition with progress out of the Southern group.

And Ford, who saw his side record a treble of trophies last season, is eager to keep alive that mission once again.

“This is one trophy that we have owned since its inception and there is absolutely no desire for us to give it up now, but we first have to gird our battle loins and go head to head with Oxford again for the right to progress,” he said.

“It promises to be a very special night on May 7th. Obviously this fixture was supposed to have been our opener on Good Friday and we were expecting a bumper crowd on that occasion.

“But the weather intervened and now we find ourselves with a mini-final on our hands against, arguably, our fiercest rivals.

“There is everything to ride for, not least pride on both sides and I would like to remind anyone that purchased a ticket for the Good Friday fixture and hasn't sought a refund, that it will be valid for this group decider.

“In addition, I can only urge anyone who does not hold a ticket for the event, ensure they do so as soon as possible as there is so much at stake and this meeting has all the ingredients of being another great moment.”