WITH all eyes on new recruit Thomas H Jonasson, he did not disappoint as he produced an accomplished debut last night.

But it was a more familiar Pirates star and his increasingly exciting team-mate that stole the show – and the points – in this absorbing Elite League clash.

Poole were again indebted to Chris Holder and Darcy Ward as the Australian pair took centre stage late on in front of the Sky Sports cameras to help Pirates tighten their grip on top spot.

Belle Vue trio Charlie Gjedde (13), Rory Schlein (9+1) and Craig Cook (9+1) had looked set to deny the visitors.

However, in a repeat of the scoreline from last time the clubs clashed at Kirkmanshulme Lane, Aces became the latest team to see their hopes dashed by the duo.

Pirates required something special going into heat 13 at 38-34 adrift – and they got it.

The talented double act arrived right on cue to serve up the most timely – and entertaining – of 5-1s to level the scores.

After Jonasson had done his bit to ensure parity ahead of a last-heat decider, Holder and Ward once again stepped up to the plate. Pirates’ performer of the night, Holder got out in front and even with Ward slipping up and doing well to hold on, Poole went on to secure three valuable league points.

Jason Doyle, Dennis Andersson and Kyle Newman struggled but Pirates’ big four, led by Holder (14), did enough.

Poole had made an ideal start to the evening thanks to Holder and Jonasson. Gjedde hit back but Ward and Jonasson immediately responded with a superb maximum.

However, Belle Vue turned the meeting on its head with four wins in a row, courtesy of Gjedde, Chris Harris, Schlein and Cook. Cook looked in particularly good form as he held off Jonasson to put the hosts ahead.

Ward again displayed his talents with victory in race nine, only for Cook to defiantly increase the margin to 32-28.

Holder responded but with just four heats remaining, Pirates failed to close the gap when the excellent Gjedde produced a fine ride against Davey Watt.

But just when they needed it, Pirates’ leading lights Holder and Ward brought the scores level at 39-39 with a magnificent 5-1. It was far from straightforward as crowd pleaser Ward, team riding on the outside line, looked out of shape during a gripping encounter, but he managed to keep control.

Jonasson then won again to ensure there was nothing to choose between the teams ahead of the final race.

Ward saw Schlein slip past to deny another maximum but with Grand Prix star Holder at the front, the verdict was put beyond doubt with a 4-2 after Gjedde’s mechanical failure.

RIDER SCORES

Belle Vue 44: C Harris (2-3-1-1) 7, C Cook (1*-1-1-3-3) 9+1, R/R for P Hougaard, C Gjedde (3-3-2-3-2-0) 13, R Schlein (1-3-1*-2-0-2) 9+1, R Kling (0-0-1-1*-1*) 3+2, L Jankowski (2-0-1-0) 3.

Pirates 46: C Holder (3-2-3-3-3) 14, D Andersson (0-1*-0-0) 1+1, D Watt (2-2-2-2) 8, J Doyle (0-0-0) 0, D Ward (3-2-3-2*-1) 11+1, TH Jonasson (3-2*-2-0-1*-3) 11+2, K Newman (1-0-0) 1.