DAN FORD: WE WANT TO LAY DOWN A MARKER

Newly-installed promoter Danny Ford has urged the No1 Carpet Cleaning Poole Pirates class of 2019 to hit the ground running when their season gets under way at Somerset tomorrow night (7.30pm).

The Pirates start their 2019 campaign at the Oaktree Arena with a challenge match to celebrate the Rebels’ 20th anniversary.

And Ford, son of Pirates owner Matt, is keen for the reigning SGB Premiership champions to “lay down a marker” as they look to defend their top-flight crown.

He said: “We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new-look team out on the track and it will certainly be an opportunity for the riders to dust off the cobwebs of a long winter.

“And despite it being a challenge fixture, we’ll be wanting to ensure we put on a good performance to lay down a marker to the rest of the Premiership clubs that we’re here to win that title again.

“And with our Premiership Shield meetings against King’s Lynn, opening league match against Peterborough and supporters cup clashes against Swindon still to come in April, it’s important that the boys get up to speed quickly once the competitive action starts later this month.”

New Pirates recruit Nico Covatti will line up for the Championship Rebels tomorrow night having penned deals with both clubs for 2019, so young Somerset reserve Anders Rowe lines up in Poole colours.

Meanwhile, the Pirates host the club’s annual press and practice session on Thursday, before travelling to the Adrian Flux Arena in Norfolk on Monday to face off with the Stars in the Premiership Shield.

Rebels: 1. Rory Schlein, 2. Todd Kurtz, 3. Paul Starke (guest), 4. Nico Covatti 5. Chris Harris (capt), 6. Valentin Grobauer 7. Henry Atkins. Team manager: Garry May.

Pirates: 1. Jack Holder, 2. Josh Grajzonek (capt), 3. Richie Worrall, 4. Nicolai Klindt, 5. Brady Kurtz, 6. Nikolai Busk Jakobsen, 7. Anders Rowe (guest). Team manager: Neil Middleditch.