JASON Crump has admitted injuries played a major role in him not always hitting the heights he expected of himself for Poole this season.

But the former world champion, who has just relinquished the title to Nicki Pedersen, has enjoyed being at a results-driven club like Castle Cover Pirates again.

Crump had spent six campaigns at Belle Vue following his winter move back to the Dorset club whom he had helped to British League title glory in 1994 before leaving Poole at the end of 1995.

The Australian, who topped Pirates' averages with 10.69, said: "It was big move for me to go back to Poole.

"Going from a club like Belle Vue where expectations weren't very high to Poole, who demand results, was a big deal.

"Matt Ford and Mike Golding have instilled that structure into the club, whether a meeting is home or away they say 'let's try and win them all'.

"It was a big move, but I'm hoping with the averages and team building I get a chance to stay at Poole, hopefully have a better year for myself and, just as importantly, for the club."

Crump added: "I didn't really achieve what I was looking for in March, especially having such a good year last year.

"I felt my racing for Poole and in the GP weren't up to the standard they were last year.

"It has been disappointing and frustrating, and I'm looking forward to having a rest over the winter.

"I had a couple of knocks this year that didn't help things along.

"First was my shoulder. You can hurt those pretty easily. I got that whacked and it wasn't good.

"I was just getting back then I hurt my knee, which was a problem, a problem I didn't think would be as bad as it was."

Crump, who sustained a broken kneecap, continued: "It wasn't like I was going to Poole and getting nine or 10 and was doing well in the GPs.

"I was going to Poole and getting nine and 10s and then not doing so well in the GPs, which shows I was giving my all for the club."

Pirates hope to unveil their first signing for 2008 during the interval between the Shield final, sponsored by the Daily Echo, and British Academy Cup final.

Poole lead Newcastle 22-13 from the first leg.

Craven Shield final, Pirates: 1 Crump, 2 Gomolski, 3 Pedersen, 4 Woffinden, 5 Kennett, 6 Batchelor.

Swindon: 1 Adams, 2 Moore, 3 (guest) Stead, 4 Chrzanowski, 5 Gjedde, 6 Ulamek.

Coventry: 1 Nicholls, 2 Janniro, 3 Harris, 4 Smolinski, 5 Schlein, 6 S Johnston.

British Academy Cup final, Poole: 1 Bates, 2 Hart, 3 Hughes, 4 B Johnson.

Newcastle: 1 Kendrew, 2 White, 3 Smith, 4 Pickard.