Pirates prevail over Cheetahs in dramatic Knockout Cup contest

Promoter Danny Ford described as a “challenging evening” Poole Pirates’ dramatic 55-34 victory over Oxford Cheetahs in the Knockout Cup.

The win saw Poole progress to the semi-finals of the competition, having overcome Oxford 104-73 across two legs.

But with plenty of spills for riders throughout the night on the south coast, Ford took the time to apologise to supporters for track preparation on the evening.

The heaviest fall came in heat six when Aussie Fraser Bowes came off on the opening bend of lap four, while leading for Poole, and clattered into the air fence.

He required medical attention and was taken to hospital, the delay meant Pirates could undergo some remedial track work.

Speaking after the meeting, Ford said: “It has been a really challenging evening and I just want to say thank you so much to everyone.

“I’m really, really sorry for tonight. I’m so disappointed in what we put out there in terms of the track preparation.

“No excuses — we will put our hands up — we absolutely got it wrong. Full credit to the riders for doing what they could in racing in those conditions.

“Of course, we are sending our messages of support to Fraser, but yes, we are just really sorry and would ask you all to stick with us. We are going to get it sorted.”

Richard Lawson (13) led from the front for Pirates, while Zach Cook (12), Will Cairns (11) and Lewis Kerr (10) all chipped in.

Next up for Poole is a home clash against Glasgow Tigers in the SGB Championship on Wednesday (7.30pm).