PIRATES have unfinished business – and all the signs indicate they are determined to take care of it.

The events of the past few days, in particular, have served to emphatically underline their desire to exorcise the ghost of 2010.

Denied the silverware after suffering play-off heartache, Poole’s stars, staff and supporters are probably still haunted by the events of last October.

Having ended the regulation season a full 20 points clear at the top of the Elite League, the Dorset outfit found themselves empty handed as Coventry bagged the big prize.

Speaking prior to the current campaign, Pirates number one Chris Holder confessed that he was sick of being reminded of the agonising near-miss.

But should Poole’s fortunes continue to unfold in the manner they have this week, the Australian will have something a whole lot more enjoyable to reflect upon.

Wins over Belle Vue on Monday – with a depleted team – and high-flying Eastbourne here last night have sounded a warning to the entire division that Pirates are gunning to go one better than last year.

As they know only too well, though, fine form at this stage of the season can count for little come crunch time.

But so far, it would be hard to argue against their status as title favourites, particularly whenever they fire up the engines on home territory.

While Poole are looking strong, the same could be said for Eastbourne.

Despite the 14-point winning margin, the Eagles were not without their moments and certainly made Pirates work hard.

Spearheaded by a familiar figure in Bjarne Pedersen, who collected 12 points, they justified their own lofty standing with some fine racing.

But Pirates’ home dominance – they have not dropped a point at Wimborne Road this term – eventually told.

Dennis Andersson ensured Pirates got off to a flyer by upsetting the big hitters in heat one.

Lukas Dryml, pressured by Renat Gafurov in the early laps, hit back for Eagles, eventually easing clear after the in-form Pirates reserve lost grip going into the penultimate lap.

A ding-dong battle followed, with Simon Gustafsson and the rejuvenated Davey Watt involved in an intriguing battle for top spot. The Eagles man got out in front, only for Watt to styl ishly fly past. But the Pirates skipper ran wide, allowing his opponent to make it consecutive Eagles successes.

Watt needn’t have worried, though, as his men bounced back immediately. Gafurov displayed the sort of skills that have made him a terrace favourite by claiming the race win in a dominant maximum for the hosts. Ably supported by Darcy Ward in a textbook team ride, he left Eagles with no answer.

Aussie duo Watt and Holder both powered home as honours ended even in races five and six, before the points were shared again when the exciting Ward made it three Pirates heat wins on the spin. But the world under-21 champion had to call upon all his skill and speed to get the better of Gustafsson in an epic fight. The lead changed on a handful of occasions before Ward struck the decisive blow, slipping past to roar clear after the pair had appeared to touch wheels when Gustafsson ran wide.

Despite Pirates’ five heat successes in seven, Eagles remained within four points.

Race eight, however, offered Poole a chance to pull clear after Dryml was excluded following a tumble. And Pirates made no mistake as Andersson and Gafurov held off Cameron Woodward in a lively exchange.

Lewis Bridger was then thwarted by Watt who brilliantly threaded his machine through the middle of the Eastbourne man and Jason Doyle to take the chequered flag.

Having seen Watt blast through the tightest of gaps, Grand Prix hotshot Holder repeated the feat to seize control of heat 10. Andersson muscled round the outside of Joonas Kylmakorpi to ensure a 5-1.

The maximum put Pirates firmly in control at 37-23 and it was no surprise to see Pedersen sent out as a tactical rider.

And the former Poole stalwart looked set to make double points count as he led Ward through the early stages. But with almost no space to work with, the 19-year-old somehow used every inch of the track to maximise his scintillating speed to pull clear.

Eagles were denied in a second consecutive double-points bid when the impressive Watt held off Gustafsson.

Pedersen, who knows the track better than most, brilliantly utilised all of his knowledge and experience to hold off a fast-chasing Ward in heat 13.

Two unsatisfactory starts followed in the penultimate race before Gafurov landed his second win.

Watt and Ward finished in style on a night which demonstrated that both these sides – who now sit level pegging at the top of the standings – could be set to renew rivalries when it really matters later this summer.

• Pirates bring in Claus Vissing as a guest for the injured Christian Hefenbrock at Swindon tonight in the Elite Knockout Cup.

Meanwhile, visiting fans can lend their support to stricken former rider Leigh Adams by purchasing a programme for £2.50 at the Abbey Stadium.

Robins: 1 Scott Nicholls, 2 Nicolai Klindt R/R, 3 James Wright, 4 Jesper B Monberg, 5 Simon Stead, 6 Justin Sedgmen, 7 Cory Gathercole.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Dennis Andersson, 3 Davey Watt, 4 Jason Doyle, 5 Darcy Ward, 6 Renat Gafurov, 7 Claus Vissing (guest).