Lawson leads from the front for Pirates against Monarchs

Pirates number one Richard Lawson once again led from the front as Poole build what was described as an “acceptable” 49-40 lead against Edinburgh Monarchs in the quarter-final first leg of the Championship Knockout Cup.

The British charger, nicknamed the Rocketman at Wimborne Road, once again showcased his speed as he totalled 14 points from his five rides.

Lawson, who was unbeaten in Poole’s season opener against Oxford on Good Friday, was only defeated by opposite number one Josh Pickering in heat 13. Monarchs talisman Pickering top-scored for the visitors with 13.

Speaking after the meeting, Lawson said: "It was a shame that I couldn't max out again but Josh is a good rider to race against and he had the beating of me in heat 13.

“We have had lots of battles in the past and only recently I denied him his maximum at Berwick, so I guess he was keen to do it back to me."

Tom Brennan (11+1), Zach Cook (8+2) and skipper Ben Cook (8+1) also enjoyed a fine night’s work, while Tobias Thomsen (4), Sam Hagon (2+1) and Max Perry (2) all chipped in.

Asked whether the lead was enough to go to Edinburgh’s Armadale headquarters on May 3 to defend, Pirates team boss Neil Middleditch said: “I think acceptable. I said to the boys before the meeting 10 would be the least I would like and we got nine, so we got close enough.

“Everything happened tonight, I didn’t think we were going to get home! A few more would have been nice but we’re capable of going up there and hanging on to that.”

Pirates were hampered by some technical difficulties on the night, which saw the red lights around the track fail, as well as a malfunction with the tapes.

Promoter Danny Ford said: “We would like to thank the fans for their support and especially their patience on what proved to be a tough night all round.

“I don't think I have ever known our track lights to fail as they did tonight and I applaud the referee and the clerk of the course for working together to ensure that we could complete the meeting.

“I would like to assure all our patrons that we will be doing everything we possibly can to rectify these issues ahead of our meeting next week against Plymouth."

(Picture: Tony Hartmann)