PREVIEWING: PIRATES BANK HOLIDAY ACTION

An early afternoon Bank Holiday Monday home win over Somerset Rebels would see the 'Volvo Pirates' guarantee themselves a higher finish in the SGB Premiership table than last year's winners, Swindon, whom they visit later in the day.

Presently on 37 points, a point behind leaders Somerset, a three point haul for the Pirates would take them on to 40 and with Swindon only having two home meetings remaining their maximum yield for the season would be just 38 points.
The play-off picture could become much clearer after all of Monday's fixtures are ridden with five teams realistically remaining in with a chance of securing a top four finish.

The Pirates begin the action facing a Somerset side that has been hit by enforced changes. Richard Lawson has been ruled out through illness, a non-speedway injury that necessitates a 7-day side-lining, whilst Bradley Wilson-Dean is serving a 9-day stand down under medical regulations after crashing last Thursday at Ipswich. That incident came less than 24 hours after Jake Allen escaped an horrific crash that involved himself, Josh Auty and Richard Lawson at Somerset last Wednesday. It was remarkable to see all riders walk away from the incident that took out no fewer than four airbags, Allen though suffering elbow tissue damage and a bang to the kidneys, so misses Monday's 12:30pm start at Wimborne Road.

The full-strength Pirates are ready to pounce on the Rebels after the current leaders deposed them last Monday and a Poole win would move them back above Somerset in the table.

The visitors have booked Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen and Tero Aarnio to operate at reserve for them whilst cover for Lawson is still being evaluated.

After the home clash the Pirates head for Swindon for more SGB Premiership action later in the day (7.30pm start), the first of two away meetings this week they face, with King's Lynn the destination on Wednesday.

Afternoon Teams: (from)
Poole: Josh Grajczonek (capt), Chris Harris, Nicolai Klindt, Brady Kurtz, Richie Worrall, Frederik Jakobsen & Kacper Woryna, - Team manager Neil Middleditch

Somerset: Nico Covatti, Jason Doyle (capt), Jack Holder, Aaron Summers, Guest for Richard Lawson (tbc), Tero Aarnio (Guest) & Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen (Guest) - Team manager Garry May

Evening Teams: (from)

Swindon: Troy Batchelor, David Bellego, Adam Ellis, Nick Morris (capt), Tobiasz Musielak, Jack Smith & Zach Wajtknecht - Team manager Alun Rossiter

Poole: Josh Grajczonek (capt), Chris Harris, Nicolai Klindt, Brady Kurtz, Richie Worrall, Frederik Jakobsen & Kacper Woryna, - Team manager Neil Middleditch