SERGEY Darkin's debut performance for Pirates against Eastbourne has been officially confirmed as the worst one by a non-reserve rider in the club's 59-year history.

The Echo carried a story on Saturday that stressed the 33-year-old Russian's four-ride, zero points performance was "believed to be joint worst" debut display for Poole.

After a weekend re-check of the statistics, we can confirm Darkin's performance was the worst by a rider who was not lining up as a reserve.

There have been seven other instances of four-ride, zero point performances and two five-ride, zero points displays, but they all came from reserves who would not necessarily be expected to get on the scoreboard.

Darkin, woefully short of practice because of visa problems that delayed his entry to Britain, will be hoping to make amends at Belle Vue on Monday following two days of practice in Rybnik, Poland.

Short of race fitness, he struggled to get three points from five rides in Paul Fry's Benefit at Somerset on Friday after being called in late to replace injured Mark Loram.

Darkin got one second place, beating Brent Werner and Paul Pickering in his third ride, and one third, with Neil Collins behind him.

GET TO THE WINCHESTER

Pirates fans not travelling to Belle Vue tonight have been invited to watch Sky's coverage on the big screen at The Winchester pub in Bournemouth town centre alongside co-promoter Matt Ford.

For a £5 entrance fee, which includes a hot meal, payable on the door from 7pm, you can view the clash on giant television screen.

BOYCE COLLECTION

A collection among supporters to pay Craig Boyce's £300 fine for punching Nicki Pedersen has raised more than £1,000.

Boyce will receive the money, which includes £300 from the Rider Equipment Fund fans' organisation, before Poole's home league clash against Ipswich on Wednesday.