West Cumbrian Richard Lawson top-scored for Poole last night as they moved up to second in the Cab Direct Championship with a hard-fought 50-40 win over Edinburgh at Wimborne Road.
The Monarchs put in a much-improved performance compared to their heavy defeat at Plymouth 24 hours earlier, and the Pirates’ victory came in a meeting which did not include a single 5-1 for either side.
Justin Sedgmen was outstanding for the visitors, winning his first four rides before being beaten by Richard Lawson in Heat 15.
The Australian totalled 14, although Monarchs No.1 Josh Pickering only collected an uncharacteristic three from five rides. Lawson top-scored for the Pirates with 12, and Tom Brennan added 10+1.
Lawson said: “We’ve got a ten-point lead to take there in the return and if you had offered me a ten-point lead at the interval I would have taken that as they made things hard for us.
“We went there with a nine-point lead in the Cup and we defended that, and we can ride Edinburgh well so hopefully we can bring something back.”
Workington are fourth in what looks to be developing into an exciting battle for the play-off positions.
Meanwhile Workington’s heat leader Troy Batchelor guests for defending Premiership champions Sheffield at his former club Leicester tonight.
He stands in for former World champion Tai Woffinden who suffered concussion and a broken elbow in Saturday’s Polish Grand Prix.
Jack Holder is 50/50 for the fixture and the Tigers will operate rider replacement at No.1 if he does not make it.
