Poole Pirates crowned speedway champions

The Pirates overturned a 12-point deficit to beat the Oxford Cheetahs on Wednesday night

Poole Pirates won their third speedway championship title in four years after beating the Oxford Cheetahs.

The Dorset team trailed their opponents by 12 points going into the final in Poole on Wednesday night.

But in front of a packed Wimborne Road the Pirates hit back with a 56-34 second leg victory to secure a 95-85 aggregate win and clinch the Cab Direct Championship title.

Team manager Neil Middleditch said he was "ecstatic", adding "it was a big ask but the boys dug so deep... they wanted it so bad. I am over the moon".

Supporters packed out The Wimborne Road stadium for the final

Pirates' rider Tom Brennan top-scored with 13 points from five rides, with Zach Cook and Tobias Thomsen securing their triumph with a 4-2 in the penultimate race.

Skipper Ben Cook said: “It is awesome being the captain of the league champions.

“We always knew we were still in it but had to really dig deep, make some starts and be hard on them in the first corners.”

It was a remarkable 30th team trophy for Poole under the tenure of owner Matt Ford and manager Neil Middleditch, dating back to the Craven Shield in 20001.

And after the Pirates missed out to Glasgow in the grand final last season Ford said: “I was so impressed with just how much everyone really wanted this.

“I just could not believe the spirit that this team has, but let me say, nothing can put the hurt of last year behind me."

The Cheetahs had been looking to seal the championship for the first time in 23 years.

Oxford manager Peter Schroeck admitted the loss of reserve Luke Killeen gave his side too much to do.

Killeen had racked up 12+1 in the first leg of the final at Cowley but he could take no further part after two falls on Wednesday.

Schroeck said: “I think the loss of Luke Killeen is ultimately what killed us off tonight. We lost our trump card reserve.

“Congratulations to Poole on winning the league title. Once it settles down, we will start to reflect that we pushed them all the way."

There's is a chance for revenge for the Cheetahs as the two teams will meet again in the Championship Knock-Out Cup final later this month.

Looking ahead, Ford said: "Let’s hope the 31st [trophy] is in the Cab Direct KO Cup, although I am sure Oxford will want to have a say about that.

"I must applaud them for playing their part in such a thrilling meeting."