HOME RULE TO BE KEY FOR PIRATES

Matt Ford insisted a return to home rule would keep his Volvo Cars Poole Pirates side firmly in the SGB Premiership play-off picture.

Ford watched his septet slip to a 51-39 defeat at Somerset last night, as the Rebels replaced the Pirates at the top of the table.

The visitors were reliant on the efforts of Nicolai Klindt (11) and Kacper Woryna (9+2) at the Oak Tree Arena as Chris Harris (2) endured a rare off night in the skull and crossbones race jacket. World champion Jason Doyle, meanwhile, went through the card for the Rebels, bagging a 15-point maximum return.

Ford said: “Going to the Oak Tree is never easy and when a rider like Jason Doyle is in that kind of form, it’s even tougher.

“But we’re back at home on Wednesday against Swindon and our form at home of late has been excellent.”

Ford will have to do without both Klindt and Frederik Jakobsen against the Robins, with both men having commitments in Denmark.

The Pirates will use rider replacement for Klindt, while Mark Riss guests for Jakobsen.

The Robins go into the clash at Wimborne Road on the back of last night’s 53-37 defeat at Wolverhampton.

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Josh Grajczonek, Richie Worrall, RR for Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Kacper Woryna, Mark Riss (guest).

Robins: Troy Batchelor, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, Nick Morris, Zach Wajtknecht, Jack Smith.