Super skipper Cook takes it to the max as Pirates see off Plymouth

Captain fantastic Zach Cook continued his sublime start to the campaign in Pirates colours, as they thumped Plymouth Gladiators 58-32 in their home season opener at Wimborne Road.

Aussie Cook, who scored 13+1 to get his season off and running at Oxford last week, followed it up with a paid maximum 14+1 from five rides against the Gladiators.

Richard Lawson (12+2), Lewis Kerr (10), Anders Rowe (9+3) and Tobias Thomsen (8+3) were also among the points as the Pirates returned to the top of the Southern Group standings.

Cook, who was named Rider of the Night, by sponsors, said: “It was great to get the Rider of the Night at last.

“I was making the starts and yeah things were working on the bike and you get confidence from winning races."

A highlight of Cook’s night came when he reeled in former Pirates ace Nicolai Klindt by passing him down the back straight during lap two of heat five.

Klindt (12) impressed for the Gladiators on his first meeting at Wimborne Road since 2019.

The return fixture between the sides comes at Plymouth’s Coliseum on Saturday (7pm).