ZACH'S BACK!

The Australian Cook brothers will be together again at Poole in 2024 as the Wessex Marine Pirates confirm their fifth signing of the season.

24-year old Zach returns for the third successive season as a Pirate and will start the season on an average of 6.22, a figure he is more than capable of improving on, as he showed in his last eight cup and play off meetings in 2023 where he scored at a rate of 7.68.

Promoter Dan Ford admitted "I am guessing this won't come as much of a surprise to our fans as Zach has made a big impact on the club since we signed him fully in 2022, and his inclusion in the side certainly gives us possibly one of the strongest top fours in the division. His performances in, what is described as, the 'engine room' of the side have been immense. I really believe he can improve beyond that and push for a heat leader berth."

The younger sibling of Cook boys, Zach has risen  in confidence and ability over the past two seasons and is sure to provide extra in- depth strength to complement the heat leader trio of Richard Lawson, brother Ben, and Tom Brennan. Sam Hagon is the other confirmed starter, leaving the Pirates with two places to cover.