Two former Workington riders top-scored for Poole and Redcar in the first leg of the MAXiCab Knockout Cup Final.
Poole won 52-38 at Wimborne Road and Pirates No 1 Richard Lawson scored yet another maximum with 14+1.
The West Cumbrian, who joined the Comets very early in his career, also was involved in a big 5-1 with skipper Zach Cook (13+1) in Heat 15 which restored their 14-point margin.
The home side had established that lead inside ten races before the Bears fought back with a 5-1 in Heat 11 with the next three races shared.
But Poole then produced their big finish with maximum points over Charles Wright (10+1) after Danny King had been disqualified having suffered mechanical trouble just before the start.
Wright was a Workington rider along with brother James soon after the Comets returned to Derwent Park.
Pirates boss Neil Middleditch said: “Traditionally we’ve performed well at Redcar, but I’ve been in this game for a long time and you never take anything for granted.
“A couple of 5-1s and they’re back in it, and that’s what we mustn’t let happen.
“Tonight a couple of the boys weren’t on song, but everybody pulled their weight and we got the job done.”
Redcar manager Gavin Parr said: “I think we were gating really well, which was a complete difference to Friday at home (in the play-offs), but we were just caught in no man’s land a few times coming out of the second bend.
“But full credit to Poole as usual, they’re a class side. We’ve sort of held on, and it’s not all over yet.”
