Ritchings buzzing to help Poole into Knockout Cup last four

Darryl Ritchings was the star of the show for Poole Pirates as they fought back to earn a place in the semi-final of the Championship Knockout Cup.

The racer, who signed for the Pirates on a temporary basis earlier this month, totalled 7+1 at reserve as Poole beat Plymouth Gladiators 52-38 in the second leg of their quarter-final tie.

That meant they progressed 93-87 on aggregate, joining Oxford, Redcar and either Edinburgh or Glasgow in the last four.

And although Ritchings is not set to be in the side when the semi-finals take place, due to the arrival of William Cairns in June, he was happy to total his biggest score for Poole to date.

He said: "This makes all the early mornings worth it and yeah, I'm delighted with my performance tonight and I'm buzzing."

Anders Rowe (13+1) and Richard Lawson (11+1) ensured Pirates claimed the spoils by avoiding a 5-1 against them in heat 15 of the contest at Wimborne Road.

Former Pirate Nicolai Klindt (10) top scored for the Gladiators.

Next up for Poole is a trip to Glasgow Tigers on Friday, June 6, before visiting Workington Comets the following day.