SOUTH COAST SEASIDE CUP FINAL STREAM

After their "double double" success of the 2003 and 2004 seasons the Pirates found reaching cup finals something of a rarity.

It wasn't until 2008 when they contested another one, losing out to Sussex rivals Eastbourne after a heavy 35-57 defeat in the 'Eagles nest' on 25th October preceded a following day draw at Wimborne Road. 

It was to be almost two years to the day when Poole skipper Dave Watt took his side of Chris Holder, Darcy Ward, Bjarne Pedersen, Artur Mroczka, Leon Madsen and Jason Doyle along the A27 to Arlington to battle for cup glory - October 24th 2010. It was silverware that the Pirates were anxious for, having bailed out in the Elite League final to Coventry.

Coincidentally, the Eagles had seen off cup opponents Lakeside and Wolverhampton as they negotiated their way to the final - the same two clubs that they had disposed of in their 2008 triumph . Poole on the other hand had defeated Belle Vue and then Peterborough to set up this final.

Whilst Poole were at full strength, the Eagles were restricted to a six man side with Tomasz Jedrzejak ruled out through a groin injury and amongst that six, club asset Lewis Bridger was called upon to replace injured Lukasz Dryml at reserve, completing a line-up of Matej Zagar, R/R, Simon Gustaffson, Cameron Woodward, Joonas Kylmakorpi, Bridger and Ricky Kling.

In their two league visits of 2010 the Pirates had denied Eastbourne touching the 50-points barrier, going down 49-41 and 48-42 respectively. If defeat had to happen then something of that magnitude  would  arguably have been acceptable to the club management and riders alike.

How would the Pirates fare this time around? The action is going to be streamed on Wednesday 12th August at 7.30pm courtesy of ReRun Productions and Speedway Portal.