Cooper keen to praise Pirates after doing double over Plymouth

Reserve racer Cooper Rushen revealed how Poole Pirates “bettered the plan” of securing an aggregate bonus point at Plymouth, after triumphing 48-42 over the Gladiators away from home in the BSN Series.

Rushen totalled four paid six from his four rides at the Coliseum, including two paid wins as Poole made it back-to-back wins over Plymouth in as many evenings.

Richard Lawson (12+1) spearheaded the Pirates, with Lewis Kerr (8) and Kyle Newman (7+2) in support.

But Rushen, riding in his first season at Championship level having only just turned 16, praised a job well done by the side.

He said: “It has been a good night for me and a good night for the team overall. Everyone has done their job, so we can't complain.

“We came here and we wanted that aggregate point and we have done more than that. We've got the win and that bettered the plan.”

The victory put Poole in a commanding position in the BSN Series Southern Group, with a maximum five points from their opening two meetings.

They begin the defence of their Knockout Cup crown when they host Scunthorpe in the first round at Wimborne Road on Wednesday (7.30pm).