POOLE completed a second tier treble with a big win over a makeshift Oxford team in the second leg of the Knockout Cup Final on Wednesday night.
The Pirates, who had won the first leg by 57-33, had little difficulty in seeing off the Cheetahs by an identical scoreline to add the cup to their previous successes in the league and BSN Series. They became the first team since Workington in 2018 to complete the treble. Poole team manager Neil Middleditch said: “It’s amazing. The team have been great and we’ve been very fortunate, we’ve had practically the same one to seven all season, so that’s been good. “Peter (Schroeck) was up against it with having to get guests in at this time of year which is really tough, but they shouldn’t be too down about it because they’ve had a great season. “He’s a good mate, but my job is to win and that’s what I like to do!” Oxford boss Schroeck, who had only two of his recognised team available and had to deploy five guests, commented: “As everybody knows, we were on the back foot before we got here to give them a challenge – but the boys we got in gave it their all. “It’s always tough and Poole are riding on a high, it’s their third trophy now this year so fair play to Middlo (Neil Middleditch) and his boys. “We’re just going to regroup, start again next year and give these boys another push, and see if we can push them over the edge next time!”
PICTURE: Neil Middleditch celebrates the treble with the Cook brothers, Ben, left, and Zach. Photo: TAYLOR LANNING