Ford hails Pirates' stars as treble dream edges closer

Promoter Danny Ford hailed his Poole Pirates side after they booked their place in a third final in 2024.

After racking up a commanding 14-point first-leg lead over Workington at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, Pirates cruised through their SGB Championship semi-final with a 53-36 win on the road at the GT Tyres Arena.

Ben Cook again went through the card against the Comets with a 12-point maximum, meaning he was not beaten by a Workington rider in either meeting.

Richard Lawson (pictured) totalled 12+1 from five rides, with Ford keen to praise his team’s efforts.

He said: "I always thought the aggregate win was well within our grasp but to be honest, despite a few doubters, one in particular who is close to me, who thought we weren't going to win this meeting.

“I felt we would win both legs and we certainly proved them wrong!

“It was a great performance by the boys with everyone chipping in with points and especially Vinnie (Foord) who was real good value for his points which as we know might have been more.

“The important thing is that it keeps the momentum going as we head into three big finals.”

On captain Cook, Ford added: “I am really proud of Ben with another unbeaten performance and he must be one of, if not the, best rider in the league right now.

“He's so good when he's out front, I think you could put anyone out there behind him and they aren't going to catch him, no matter if they are world champion or not.

“He's leading by example. He is great in the pits, a few people questioned our decision to make him captain this year but he has really stuck to it, not just on-track but off it as well.

“It's really encouraging and we've just got to finish the job now."

Poole will meet wither the Oxford Cheetahs or Scunthorpe Scorpions in the play-off final, with their tie set to be determined this week.

They will meet Oxford in the finale of the Championship Knockout Cup and either Edinburgh Monarchs or Scunthorpe in the final of the BSN Series.

(Picture: Tony Hartmann)