Poole Pirates to face Plymouth Gladiators in Championship

After Pirates’ emphatic win in the BSN Series semi final first leg over Workington in the week, they face Plymouth Gladiators on Saturday, August 24.

Holding a 20-point advantage for the bonus point, Poole need to return with all three points to keep the pressure on Oxford, who threaten their top spot.

Promoter Danny Ford said: “[This is] a must-win match if we're to secure top spot in the league.

“Unfortunately, we're without our usual reserves, with Tobias on compassionate leave and Vinnie still recovering from injury.

“However, we're bringing in experienced reserves who know their way around the Coliseum, with Paul Starke and Ben Trigger stepping in.

“We're ready to give it our all and keep pushing forward.”

Pirates secured a narrow 47-43 triumph at the Coliseum early this season in their BSN group fixture in June.

Since becoming a Championship side, Pirates have only lost in Plymouth twice, with a lowest score of 37.

Gladiators have replaced ex-Pirate Kyle Newman with Dane Patryk Baek since the two sides last met, and they will be without Nico Covatti for the remainder of the season due to an arm injury.

Poole continue to be without Vinnie Foord, who has recently undergone oxygen tent treatment to expedite a return to fitness from a shoulder injury, with Paul Starke taking his place in the side.

Tobias Thomsen will be absent, with former Gladiator Ben Trigger coming in under the ‘no facility’ restrictions.

The meeting comes ahead of away trips to Edinburgh on Friday, August 30 and Workington for the second leg of the BSN Series semi final next Saturday, August 31.

Plymouth* (team manager: Garry May): 1: Guest or Rider Replacement; 2: Alfie Bowtell; 3: Dan Thompson; 4: Patryk Baek; 5: Ben Barker (Capt); 6: Joe Thompson; 7: Jacob Hook.

Poole (team manager: Neil Middleditch): 1: Richard Lawson; 2: Sam Hagon; 3: Ben Cook (Capt); 4: Zach Cook; 5: Tom Brennan; 6: Paul Starke (G); 7: Ben Trigger (G).

*subject to confirmation