CAPTAIN Steve Worrall admits the margin of victory Poole Pirates recorded over Glasgow Tigers on Wednesday night was something he did not see coming.

Pirates took full control of the BSN Series final with a storming 62-28 first leg win at Wimborne Road, Worrall leading the way with a paid maximum 14+1 from his five rides.

It was the first time Poole had ridden at home competitively as a team in almost a month.

Pirates will now aim to complete the job with minimal fuss when they head north of the border for the second leg on Friday, July 21.

Wednesday’s meeting was the first time this season Worrall had not gone out in heat one, having lost his number one spot to Richard Lawson after the updated July averages.

The St Helens-born ace instead dropped down to number five, before producing arguably his best display of a mixed season by his own high standards.

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Speaking after the win, Pirates’ skipper said: “That was a lot better from me. It was more of what I know I am capable of doing and what I’ve shown I can do over the last couple of years.

“Personally I am really happy with my own performance and from a team’s point of view, well I honestly did not expect the final scoreline to be what it was.”

There were again contributions right throughout the Poole septet, with no rider finishing last in a race all night. Lawson (13+1) and Ben Cook (11) joined Worrall in double figures.

The best Glasgow could muster came from former Poole duo Chris Harris and Benjamin Basso, who each registered seven points from five rides.

Discussing Pirates’ return to Wimborne Road after a spell without a meeting, Worrall said: “You think well, it can either set us back or push us on a bit as we are hungry to get back at home.

“So I guess it was that we were all hungry and wanted it that extra bit. 

“Tuesday’s rain helped the track. You can't beat natural water. It waters it evenly and it gets into the base and it soaked in well and I don't know if anyone noticed but they didn't get covered in dust, which is better for us too, as it opens the track a little more, the starts are better.

“It showed in the score. We loved it, they hated it.

“It has given us a big advantage now to take to their place and that is somewhere we have all rode well in the past and we know what we've got to do now.

“Obviously winning the trophy is the main thing, so no heroes, keep it close and we should come out on top."