'Wake-up call' as Poole Pirates surrender two-year unbeaten home record

Richard Lawson pulled no punches when assessing Poole Pirates’ shock defeat against Oxford, declaring the display as a “wake-up call”.

Pirates were unbeaten for more than two years on home shale before falling to a 49-41 reverse against the Cheetahs at Wimborne Road.

Skipper Ben Cook (16+1) starred for the hosts having taken six rides in total but, with points hard to come by in the reserve berths, Poole were left floundering.

Lawson, who totalled seven on the night, said: “I didn't see our unbeaten record go like that, no excuses. I still think we should have won that meeting but we let it slip.

“The fact is we weren't really in control after the first few heats but again, no excuses. We got beat by the better team on the night.

“I was just saying to Zach (Cook), maybe this is the wake-up call we need as we are getting to the business end of the season and performances like that aren't good enough, so I am going to give myself a kick up the backside and hope the others do the same."

?? FINAL SCORE | POOLE 41 - 49 OXFORD

?? Our unbeaten home streak ends tonight

?? Hats off to the Cheetahs, truly deserving winners

??‍?? #PiratePride pic.twitter.com/RGBtYRo0Mu

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) August 14, 2024

Poole remain five points clear of Oxford in the SGB Championship standings, having ridden two more meetings.

Luke Killeen starred for the visitors with 11+3, while Sam Masters (10) and Scott Nicholls (9) also totalled important points.

Next up for Poole is a home clash against Workington Comets at Wimborne Road on Wednesday (7.30pm).

(Picture: Tony Hartmann)