Former Workington Comets star Richard Lawson helped Poole close in on second-placed Glasgow in the Cab Direct Championship with an emphatic 54-36 win at Birmingham.
The Pirates put on a fast-gating performance at Perry Barr and had built an 18-point lead in the space of seven races to put the meeting beyond the Brummies.
West Cumbrian-born Lawson won his first three rides to finish on 11 points whilst Ben Cook tallied 10+2 in a very solid all-round display for the reigning champions. Troy Batchelor scored 10 for the home side.
Lawson said: “That was a good night’s work, I enjoyed that. A big score, and I thought it was going to be a lot tougher than it was.
“We all know how good Danny (King) can be and we got on top of him very quickly, and we went on from there.
“This is a track I like and enjoy racing here, plus it is only an hour from home for me!”
Birmingham manager Stewart Dickson said: “The first two or three races basically killed the meeting, which is not acceptable.
“Realistically by Heat 7 it was definitely all but over but nevertheless I got the riders in for a wee chat shall we say, and told them in no uncertain terms that it was unacceptable.
“I know Poole are a very good side, but that should never be happening against anyone on your home track.”
