POOLE Pirates put themselves in pole position to qualify for the BSN Series semi-finals with a 58-32 victory over Plymouth Gladiators.

Richard Lawson led the charge with a perfect five-ride maximum, supported by strong showings from Tom Brennan (12) and reserve Sam Hagon (11+2).

Just four points separated the two sides after the opening six heats, before Poole pulled away with a string of late heat advantages to give Plymouth plenty to do to try and seal the bonus point they need in the reverse fixture.

Gladiators were not helped by their number one Nico Covatti failing to complete a race and withdrawing early from the meeting.

Both sides were level on points in the southern BSN Series group after two fixtures apiece, meaning both knew the overall winner of this tie would progress into the semi-finals.

For the Friday night meeting at Wimborne Road, both clubs named full strength septets, the first time former Pirate Covatti had ridden for his new club, after a spell out injured.

But the Argentina-born Italy international appeared to still be showing the effects from that setback, retiring during heat one, as Lawson took to the front.

Plymouth got their noses in front with a maximum in the reserves race, before victory for Brennan levelled up the contest.

Captain Ben Cook was out in front in a shared heat four, before Pirates took the lead, courtesy of a maximum from Brennan and Zach Cook, an advantage they would not squander for the rest of the night.

Bournemouth Echo: Richard Lawson scored a perfect maximum as Poole eased past Plymouth

Lawson and Hagon then claimed race wins, while Covatti was ruled out of the remainder of the meeting, Plymouth operating injury rider replacement.

Hagon, a reserve switch for Max Perry, led home Tobias Thomsen for a key maximum in heat eight as Pirates opened up a 29-19 lead.

Gladiators skipper Ben Barker gave the visitors a rare race win, before Lawson hit back in heat 10, the impressive Dan Thompson splitting the Poole pair. Barker had been brought in as a tactical substitute for former Pirate Kyle Newman, but finished last.

Barker was then put out for a third race in a row, but could not prevent Ben Cook and Hagon teaming up for a max, Pirates opening up a 16-point cushion.

And Neil Middleditch’s men were not done there.

In-form Brennan’s third win of the night kept things ticking, before Lawson and Ben Cook took the honours in the heat 13.

Zach Cook and Hagon then followed suit, before Lawson rounded off his perfect night win the closing victory.

Weather permitting, Pirates will face Gladiators at the Coliseum tomorrow (7pm) as they continue their bid to retain the BSN Series title.

Pirates 58: Lawson 15, Thomsen 4+1, Brennan 12, Z Cook 7+2, B Cook 9+1, Hagon 11+2, Perry 0.

Plymouth 32: Covatti 0, Bowtell 3, D Thompson 10, Newman 1, Barker 8+1, J Thompson 5+2, Hook 5+1.