Mitch Cluff produced the finest performance of his Edinburgh Monarchs career to date, but it was not enough to prevent the Armadale-based combine sinking at Poole.
The 26-year-old Aussie claimed 14 points but Monarchs lost 52-38 on the night and the scoreline allowed the home side to move to the top of the Cab Direct Championship.
Monarchs had no answer Pirates top two of ex-Glasgow Tigers star, Richard Lawson, and Zach Cook who collected 26 points between them along with four bonus points. A good night for them.
The teams square-up again at Armadale next week and Cluff conceded: “It was a tough night and we just need to look at winning the return and going for the bonus.”
On his own performance he said: “It was one of my better performances at Poole and I was happy. Gate four got me twice but, apart from that, I was happy. ‘
Cluff’s first concerns go to Reserve partner Jordy Loftus who crashed out in Heat Two who groggily walked back to the pits initially complaining of leg pain.
Concussion is now confirmed that will mean a mandatory spell on the sidelines.
Kye Thomson crashed out in Heat 13 as he and partner Dan Thompson tangled. Kye needing helped back to return to the pits and he has leg and hip concerns. More news of that later on Thursday.
This was a match where the home men were never headed. Indeed, Poole controlled proceedings and powered to three heat maximums in the first six races.
The slick dusty conditions made passing difficult
Battered and bruised Monarchs will look to regroup with a visit of Glasgow Tigers looming on Friday (tapes-up 7.30pm)
Poole: Lawson 11+4, Cairns 7+1, Kerr 8+1, Rushen 4, Cook 15, Hagon 3+2, Newman 4
Edinburgh: Thompson 8, Grahn 0, Sedgmen 6+1, Castagna 6+3, Thomson 4+3, Cluff 14, Loftus 0
