PIRATES star Richard Lawson sent his apologies to the Wimborne Road faithful, after the club’s phenomenal unbeaten home record came to an end.

The Dorset outfit were beaten 47-43 on their own patch by SGB Championship leaders Leicester Lions – their first home setback in 1,008 days.

Lawson himself impressed with 13 paid 14 from his five rides – only losing to an opposition rider on one occasion.

But with others failing to fire elsewhere, the experienced British racer insisted a home defeat would not be repeated.

Addressing the crowd after the meeting, 36-year-old Lawson said: “It was very difficult. Our apologies to everyone. We were trying, we tried everything and some things just didn’t go our way.

“But we will learn from it and, make no mistake, we won’t repeat this.

“It’s given us a kick up the backside, to be fair. We know what to do and what not to do. This isn’t going to happen again – don’t worry.”

Pirates are now eight points behind Leicester in the league table.

“We’re a good team and we are going to be fighting for that top spot. This isn’t anything major, just a blip,” said Whitehaven-born Lawson.

“I personally learn more from the races I lose – what not to do and what to do – and as a team we lost.

“We will learn from that and come back better and stronger.

“I can’t speak highly enough of this club. It’s absolutely amazing. The fans, it’s a pleasure to race in front of you every week.

“The promotion, the guys in the pits, the track staff. Just everyone – it all gels together and it’s like a family, it’s great.”