MIDDLO'S BIG NIGHT OUT

The line-ups for the 2020 Wimborne Road curtain raiser, sponsored by Lovett Estate & Lettings Agent, have now been finalised and the Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch has revealed the format of the meeting, which is being staged in his name.

Unlike the Testimonial awarded to him in 1984 to recognise his riding days, which was a four-team tournament, Middleditch has gone for a two team affair made up of a host of Poole favourites.
 
Riding under the banner of "Karen's County Crest All Stars" the club's second highest all-time points scorer Bjarne Pedersen will make a rare British track appearance as he joins forces with compatriot Nicolai Klindt, Aussie favourites Brady Kurtz and Josh Grajczonek, Nico Covatti and 2020 Pirates Adam Ellis and Stefan Nielsen both of whom have worn the Poole colours previously.
 
Opposing them will be "Joanne's Meridian Lifts Heroes" headed by 2012 World Champion Chris Holder and includes three riders who between them can boast eleven British Championships - seven times winner Scott Nicholls, triple champion Chris Harris and 2016 winner Danny King who will be captaining the Poole side in the season ahead. The popular combination of Hans Andersen and Edward Kennett are also part of the Heroes side, which has been subjected to a late change with Nick Morris standing in for Jack Holder, as the latter is ineligible to ride due to his work permit restrictions being valid for Premiership tracks only.
 
Speaking of the field assembled Middleditch, 63, stated "I am truly honoured to have been given this special occasion. It was something that Matt (Ford) promised he would try to make happen and I am grateful that the authorities have sanctioned it. Likewise I am deeply proud to have such a solid array of riders to share the day with and it is fantastic to have assembled two really exciting teams. It is also something a bit special to have the team names carrying the names of two lady sponsors who have been so passionately involved with the club during my reign as team manager. Karen Tracey of County Crest and the late Jo Tomlin of Meridian Lifts have the teams dedicated to them and I cannot think of any better way to acknowledge their great support over the years."
"The only downside to the meeting is the fact that Jack (Holder) cannot be part of it. He was extremely keen to ride  but unfortunately it is because this year he is having to use a Tier 5 visa due to having exhausted his six year allowance on a Tier 2 status. Under BSPA and UKVI rules he is therefore prevented from guesting, riding in open meetings and riding for more than one league this season. Jack is totally gutted as too am I but at least I have been able to bring in an very capable replacement in Nick Morris to complete the two teams."
 
Middleditch's meeting is being held at Wimborne Road on Wednesday 25th March with a 7.30pm start with the standard 2020 admission prices prevailing, namely Adults £17 OAPS/Concession £14 Students £10 Child (11-16) £6 and Under 11's Free.

Fans will also have the opportunity to see the Pirates' new three Aussies - Josh MacDonald, Ben Cook and Zane Keleher compete in a series of three races against each other at the conclusion of the main event.