Preview: Poole v Peterborough

Danny Ford believes Pirates’ mini-break could benefit his class of 2019 as they look to push towards a successful title defence during the second half of the SGB Premiership campaign.

The Pirates have not been on track since July 18 when they saw off league rivals Ipswich 48-42 at Wimborne Road.

That meeting saw the hosts go into battle without Australian star Brady Kurtz who was recovering from a crash in Sweden on July 2.

But with Kurtz now back to full fitness, Ford has been able to name six riders from his septet for tomorrow’s clash against Peterborough at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

Ford, who confirmed Pirates would operate rider replacement for long-term injury victim Richie Worrall, said: “We’re now getting into the business end of the season and I really hope our injuries worries are behind us.

“The boys have had a short break from British racing and this could help us, I think.

“A little time off gives everyone time to re-evaluate and re-assess and I think now we’re ready to push on and do our best to defend our title.

“I’m pleased to say Brady is now back on the bike and that gives us a huge boost.”

Kurtz ran in 13 points for Vetlanda on Tuesday, as the Eliterien side saw off Indianerna 56-34.

For the Panthers, former Pirate Hans Andersen returns after recovering from a horrifying crash against Ipswich on July 1.

The Peterborough captain was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken wrist in a tangle with Cameron Heeps, but has been declared fit for tomorrow’s encounter in Dorset.

The Panthers prop up the Premiership table after five successive defeats, the latest of which came against King’s Lynn on Friday, but will have been buoyed by Charles Wright’s British Final win in Manchester on Monday

Pirates: Jack Holder, Rider Replacement for Richie Worrall, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Brady Kurtz, Nico Covatti, Ricky Wells.

Panthers: Rohan Tungate, Scott Nicholls, Charles Wright, Ty Proctor, Hans Andersen, Aaron Summers, Ryan Douglas (guest).

Picture: Taylor Lanning.