PREVIEWING PIRATES v WOLVES - WEDNESDAY 4TH APRIL

The Volvo Cars Poole Pirates will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky when they look to get their 2018 season up and running on Wednesday night.

The Wimborne Road racers line up against Wolverhampton at Wimborne Road on the back of three postponements - including the club’s prestigious 70th anniversary individual meeting.

Pirates boss Matt Ford had already admitted he felt as if he had run over a black cat, such was the frustration over the unseasonal weather, but with the forecast looking more favourable, Ford is hoping to see his class of 2018 on track for the first time in Wednesday's SGB Premiership opener.

Ford said: “It’s been a hugely frustrating start to the season and certainly not one I would have wished for given it’s our 70th anniversary. I know our supporters have been left just as frustrated but I’m hopeful the poor weather is now behind us so we can get our season under way.

“Once again the bookmakers have installed us as favourites to lift the Premiership title, but we won’t look too far ahead just at the moment. We’re welcoming a very good Wolves side to Wimborne Road and they are sure to provide a stern test on our home shale.”

Former Pirates Kyle Howarth and Sam Masters line up for the Midlands side, while captain Rory Schlein comes into the meeting on the back of victory at the Cumberland Open Individual at Workington over the weekend.

With the Easter holidays in full swing, Ford is hoping to welcome plenty of young supporters on Wednesday evening, with the first 300 through the gates receiving a boxed Easter egg. 

Supporters will also be able to purchase the special commemorative 70th anniversary programme, complete with Wednesday evening’s race card, for just £3.

Ford added: “I’m looking forward to seeing lots of families on Wednesday and the gifts for the youngsters are a small token of our appreciation for their support. I’m also thankful to Nigel Pearson and his team for putting together a superb platinum anniversary programme and we’re delighted to be able to offer this for sale after the original meeting date was washed out.”

The Pirates are at full strength for Wednesday’s clash, with Dane Peter Kildemand lining up in temporary place of Chris Holder.

Pirates: B.Kurtz, K.Woryna, J.Gracjzonek (capt), LSundstrom, P.Kildemand, M.Szczepaniak, J.Shanes. Manager: Neil Middleditch

Wolves: J.Thorssell, K.Howarth, C.Heeps, R.Schlein (capt), S.Masters, J.Greaves, A.Morris. Manager: Peter Adams.

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