PROMOTER Danny Ford hailed the character of his Pirates charges after they put themselves in the box seat to claim the Championship Knockout Cup.

Despite Ben Cook and guest Connor Bailey not scoring at Edinburgh, and the visitors being on the end of a 5-0 in heat seven, Poole emerged victorious from the first leg of the final 47-42 at Armadale.

Danny King (13) and Ben Basso (13+3) impressed for Poole, who will look to seal silverware at Wimborne Road in the second leg on Wednesday.

Ford said: "I am hugely proud of this team and with this performance.

“To win away from home with two riders not scoring all meeting and having a heat when we didn't produce a finisher, shows great resolve of character amongst the team.

“But, as that well-worn phrase goes, we are only at half-time, we still must finish the job and we can be sure that Edinburgh will be going into the second leg with absolutely nothing to lose."

Meanwhile, Pirates have announced the dates of their SGB Championship Play-off final two-legged clashes against Glasgow.

Poole will visit the Tigers on Tuesday, October 26, before the second leg at Wimborne Road on Friday, October 29.