Pirates Hope for "Ritch (Pick)ings"

Swindon-born Darryl Ritchings is adding a third club to his 2025 season by agreeing to step into the Poole side for a temporary period.

Ritchings currently rides for Birmingham Bulls in the National Development Trophy and Oxford Chargers in the National Development league, but will make his Poole debut on Wednesday 14th May with Matt Marson giving way.

Buoyed by the chance to join the Pirates, Darryl said "I am absolutely buzzing to be a Poole Pirate, even if it is on a short-term basis. The club has such history so for the management to give me this opportunity I am going to grab it with both hands. I'm an out-and-out racer so I will give it 110% in every race and hopefully help the team. I can't wait to get going on Wednesday."

Poole promoter Dan Ford explained the move in the lower reaches of his septet, claiming "Matt has found it tough at Championship level and we feel it is important to strengthen our competitiveness at reserve. Darryl brings valuable experience, and we believe that can really benefit the team. We have nine meetings before Will Cairns becomes eligible to step in to the side and Darryl fully understands the role and is eager to make the most of this opportunity. His form in the third tier has been very encouraging - he is set to move to an 8.20 average in the NDT and has made a strong start with Oxford in the NDL - so we are hopeful he can carry that confidence into the Championship over the coming weeks."

"We want to sincerely thank Matt for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future."
Marson came into the Poole side at the start of the season on a 2-point average but has struggled to achieve that figure having scored just 2 (paid three) points from twelve rides.