Stand-in skipper Zach Cook takes it to the max for Poole Pirates in BSN Series final

Stand-in skipper Zach Cook led from the front with a flawless 15-point maximum, as Poole Pirates put one hand on their first trophy of 2024.

Aussie Cook, who captained Poole in the on-track absence of brother Ben due to injury, went through the card with a stunning five race wins out of five in the first leg of the BSN Series final at Scunthorpe.

It set Pirates up for a 53-37 victory over the Scorpions at the Eddie Wright Raceway, meaning they will take a 16-point lead into Wednesday’s second leg at Wimborne Road.

Number one Richard Lawson (14+1) also enjoyed a paid maximum, with impressive performances from Tom Brennan (10+1) and guest Charles Wright (8+2) paving the way to a big triumph for the visitors.

Should Pirates defend their lead against Scunthorpe, it would mean they have sealed back-to-back BSN Series titles since the competition’s inception last season.

The Dorset club could still also add the SGB Championship league title to their cabinet, as well as the Knockout Cup.

Both of those trophies are set to be decided over two-legged ties against the Oxford Cheetahs in the coming weeks.

(Picture: Anthony Burchall)