Lawson returns to haunt Bears in final

GAVIN Parr understandably claimed he was “sick of the sight of Poole” after the 2014 treble winners completed their first successful defence at the ECCO Arena on Friday.

- By KEITH McGHIE

Ace Pijper top-scored for the Bears in defeat

An immaculate 15-point maximum from former Redcar favourite Richard Lawson led the powerhouse Pirates to a fourth Knockout Cup Final victory in five years through a third comprehensive win in five days against the Bears.

The Dorset side were justifiably so confident, following their 52-38 home success, that they left the blue and white ribbons on the trophy from the previous year when bringing it up to the North East.

And if anyone had any doubts that they were to again lift the silverware they secured in 2001, 2002 and last year, they were wiped away by an uncanny repeat of the sides’ Championship playoff clash the previous Sunday.

It was deja vu as the Bears once again suffered two crucial exclusions in the opening four heats. which eliminated almost any chance of getting away to the fast start needed to erode Poole’s advantage.