TEAM boss Neil Middleditch insists suggestions Pirates have again built a top-heavy team are well wide of the mark.

Poole Coastal Aluminium were criticised last season for their reliance on the powerhouse scoring of their big-hitting top three.

Chris Holder and Darcy Ward, as well as Adrian Miedzinski and then Krzysztof Kasprzak, provided a huge chunk of Poole’s points in 2012 as they fell agonisingly short of grand final glory.

Turbo Twins Holder and Ward, both retained on high averages, will again lead the Dorset club’s Elite League charge this season.

They will be supported by Maciej Janowski, Robert Miskowiak and Dawid Stachyra, plus reserve duo Rohan Tungate and Kyle Howarth.

And manager Middleditch believes that team will prove to have much better balance.

He told the Daily Echo: “The injuries hit us quite hard at the end of last season, that was one thing.

“Then, when we had the injuries, the reserves couldn’t back it up to take the places of the riders who had been hurt.

“People will say we have gone top heavy again with Chris and Darcy but I think it is the opposite.

“We have got a good strength-in-depth side and there is lots of room for improvement from a number of the riders.

“If they can fulfil their promise, there is no reason why we won’t be there at the end in the play-offs.”

Pirates 2013: Chris Holder (captain), Darcy Ward, Maciej Janowski, Robert Miskowiak, Dawid Stachyra, Rohan Tungate, Kyle Howarth.