DEFEAT to Oxford Cheetahs at Wimborne Road serves as a “wake-up call” for Poole Pirates, says two of their star riders.

Unbeaten in competitive home meetings since June 2022, a run of 42 matches, Pirates were seen off 49-41 by title rivals Oxford on Wednesday night.

Ben Cook (16+1) produced a brilliant individual display, beaten by an opponent just once in six rides, but it was not enough.

Out-of-form Sam Hagon as well as reserve pairing Tobias Thomsen and Jacob Hook managed just four points between them.

By contrast, all seven of Oxford’s riders claimed a race win, with teenage reserve Luke Killeen top scoring, powering in 11+3 from five outings.

Richard Lawson won just one of his four races (Image: Richard Crease)

Number one Richard Lawson, often so reliable around Wimborne Road, totalled a below-par seven points from his four rides, beaten to first place by 46-year-old Scott Nicholls in heat six and 16-year-old Ashton Boughen in heat 10.

“I had an off night, but no excuses,” said Lawson.

“I still think we should’ve won the meeting. We let it slip.

“We weren’t really in control from the first few races. But no excuses, we got beaten by the better team.

“Maybe it’s a wake-up call. This is getting to the business end of the season and performances like that aren’t good enough.

“I definitely need to give myself a kick up the backside and hopefully everyone else will as well.”

Pirates reduced the arrears to just two points going into the final three heats, but wins for Sam Masters and Jordan Jenkins quelled Poole hopes.

Captain Cook insisted: “I wouldn’t say it’s a big worry, but it’s a bit of a wake-up call that we might need.

“We were beaten by the better team.”

Lawson and Cook are set to team up to represent Poole in Friday’s Championship Pairs event at Oxford (7.30pm).