Bees stung by red-hot Poole

Coventry face uphill task after heavy first leg defeat

Last updated: 4th September 2008

Holder: On top form (Pic credit Les Aubrey)

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Poole Pirates snatched the initiative in the first leg of their Knockout Cup semi-final replay against Coventry Bees as they rode to a 56-36 win at Wimborne Road.

The result leaves the Bees needing to replicate their Craven Shield comeback against the same opposition earlier in the season if they are to progress to the final.

Coventry overturned a 24-point deficit against Poole that day, however the Pirates are in menacing form of late and look well set for another cup final appearance.

The deficit could have been greater heading into the second leg had it not been for fine performances at the top of the order from Hans Anderson and Chris Harris - the pair scoring 28 points between them for the Bees.

Magic

However, Poole's all-round team display proved the difference as only one Pirate finished in last place throughout the 15 heats.

The hosts flew out of the traps and took a swift 5-1 lead. Magnus Zetterstrom was back on top form as he partnered Chris Holder five heats later to give the Pirates a healthy 14 point lead after six heats.

Poole maintained their significant advantage at heat 10 and things got even better for the home side when a moment of magic from Holder saw him power to the front to increase the margin.

Coventry did stem the tide with a succession of three shared heats, however duo Daniel Davidsson and Adam Skornicki held off Harris and Billy Janniro in heat 14 to give the Pirates an unassailable 20-point lead.