Cook serves up sublime display to keep Knockout Cup final 'all to play for'

Zach Cook believes Pirates are still in the hunt for Knockout Cup Glory after a narrow defeat at Scunthorpe.

Aussie star Zach Cook produced a sublime display to help keep Poole Pirates in the SGB Championship Knockout Cup final and insisted: “It's all to play for.”

The 24-year-old was speaking after banging in 14 points from six rides at Scunthorpe, as Poole suffered a 47-43 away defeat in the first leg at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

And with the Scorpions well and truly in their sights ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at Wimborne Road (7.30pm) – Cook insists Poole are still in the hunt.

Assessing his performance at Scunthorpe, the Cowra-born charger said: "I enjoyed it out there, scored a couple of points so it was nice.

“The good thing about this track is it's a nice shape and there are plenty of racing lines if you know where to be and it's enjoyable.

“We had to put last week (play-off final defeat to Glasgow) behind us but also use it as a bit of fire as well and we kept it tight, so it's all to play for on Wednesday."

Number one Richard Lawson also reached double figures for the visitors with 10 points from five outings.

Scunthorpe were powered by Ryan Douglas (13) and former Pirate Drew Kemp (10+1).

Having already claimed the inaugural BSN Series crown earlier this season, Poole are going in search of a third straight Knockout Cup success.

?? 3 DAYS TO GO!

?? 4 points separate the 2 teams as the Pirates and the Scorpions clash at Wimborne Road on WEDNESDAY night in the KO Cup FINAL!

??? GET YOUR TICKETS ?? https://t.co/VETTm97sZP#PiratePride pic.twitter.com/pSQMlxHYE7

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) October 15, 2023

Away team manager and former world champion Gary Havelock claimed his side were in a strong position in the two-legged tie.

He said: “If you had offered me that before the start of the meeting I would have bit your hand off!

“I've said it before, but these guys are so great and easy to work with.

“My job has just really been to keep a watch on some of the little things and offer advice but they know what is expected of them and know what they need to do.

“They have put us in  a good position and I will do everything I possibly can to get down to Poole for the second leg but be assured if I can't be there in person I will be there in spirit."

(Top picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)