Skipper Cook says emotional goodbye after securing treble with Poole Pirates

Poole Pirates captain Ben Cook sealed an historic treble of trophies in the skull and crossbones this season before saying an emotional goodbye to the club.

The Aussie racer totalled 13 points from five rides as Poole sealed an emphatic 114-66 aggregate victory over the Oxford Cheetahs to claim the Championship Knockout Cup.

That meant Pirates recorded a clean sweep of team trophies at Wimborne Road this season, having also claimed the SGB Championship and BSN Series.

But Cook revealed post-meeting he would not be back in Poole colours next season, as he looks to explore other options across the continent.

"I have these opportunities that perhaps I never really dreamed of and I feel now is the time to go for them,” he said.

“It has not been an easy decision for me. This is where it all began really for me and I love this place and think I always will.

“It was a great honour to be made captain this year and we accomplished all our goals with this fabulous treble and great team."

Cook, who also sealed the top-flight title with Belle Vue in Britain, was called up to race for Unia Leszno in Poland and has committed to them for next season.

He first joined Poole at reserve for the season that never was in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But having returned in 2021, the Cowra-born racer has gone from strength to strength in becoming a heat leader and captain.

Number one Richard Lawson, who has signed for Poole next season, totalled 12+1 in the season finale. Dane Tobias Thomsen also recorded an impressive 8+3.

(Picture: Taylor Lanning)