Manchester win was for Worrall and Covatti, says Ford

Danny Ford dedicated his patched up No1 Carpet Cleaning Poole Pirates side’s second successive away win to injured duo Richie Worrall and Nico Covatti.

The Pirates moved to within two points of SGB Premiership leaders Ipswich with an impressive 46-44 win at Belle Vue.

Although the margin of victory was narrow in the end thanks to three successive heat advantages from the Aces in races 13, 14 and 15, the Pirates led by 10 after heat 12 and were in control from tapes-up at the National Speedway Stadium.

In-form skipper Josh Grajczonek led the Pirates’ charge with 13+1, while Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz and Nicolai Klindt scored paid 27 between them.

Guests Jye Etheridge (4+2) and Luke Becker (3+1) did their jobs, too, covering for Covatti and the ill Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen.

Ford said: “It was a performance that really showed how much we want to defend our league title.

“It also showed how much team spirit there is in our club as the boys were desperate to put on a show and get the win for Nico and Richie.

“Those three points are for them and the club is with them all the way as they start their recoveries.”

The full report from Belle Vue can be read here.

Meanwhile, recently released from Belle Vue, Amercian Ricky Wells comes in as a guest for Covatti when the Pirates welcome King’s Lynn to Wimborne Road on Thursday (7.30pm).

Busk Jakobsen returns at reserve having been given the all-clear to resume racing after seven days off through illness, while the Pirates will operate rider replacement for Worrall.

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Rider Replacement for Richie Worrall, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Jack Holder, Ricky Wells (guest), Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen.

Stars: Robert Lambert, Michael Palm Toft, Erik Riss, Thomas Jorgensen, Craig Cook, Lewis Kerr, Broc Nicol.

Picture: Taylor Lanning.