IF this is what an experimental Pirates team can do without their main man, the rest of the Elite League had better watch out.

Chris Holder was busy preparing for the Grand Prix curtain-raiser in New Zealand – but that did not stop Poole stamping their authority in his absence.

In a dominant performance at Wimborne Road last night, Pirates’ two remaining big hitters delivered some knockout blows.

The Dorset club have unearthed a new favourite in the shape of Adrian Miedzinski – and it is easy to see why supporters have quickly taken to the 26-year-old.

Impressive and exciting throughout, the Polish star combined electrifying starting and rapid speed to fine effect.

Alongside stand-in skipper Darcy Ward, maximum man Miedzinski suggested that Pirates have again built a team to be reckoned with.

Once Holder is added back into the mix, Matt Ford could well have another recipe for success.

The defending champions have been widely tipped as favourites to retain the title they won in 2011, with Belle Vue among those predicted to struggle this term.

While this encounter was merely a challenge fixture and both teams were no doubt still tinkering with their options, the pundits and bookies do not look far off.

Even without Holder – who was replaced by Mateusz Szczepaniak – Pirates had too much for the visitors.

Arch rivals Coventry will pose a tougher examination in next Friday’s Elite League double-header, but Poole Coastal Aluminium passed this latest test with top grades.

Impressive scoring throughout the team saw them win the Elite Shield last week. And while Ward and Miedzinski delivered big points this time round, useful contributions again came lower down.

Apart from Patrick Hougaard’s heroics, which included a tactical victory, Belle Vue struggled to keep pace as Pirates won nine heats – eight courtesy of Ward and Miedzinski.

Poole never looked back after making a blistering start through Ward and Masters.

Ward produced a scintillating display as he recovered from being forced wide on the opening bend to fly past his rivals and win with ease. Masters completed the job by diving under Linus Eklof in eye-catching fashion.

Szczepaniak, who is expected to be drafted in by Pirates in an early-season reshuffle, showed why his skills are in demand with a tapes-to-flag win in heat two. Ludvig Lindgren made a great first impression by storming from the back to complete a second consecutive 5-1 to a roar from the terraces.

Hougaard cruised to victory next up as Aces registered their first success by a comfortable margin.

Miedzinski then underlined his credentials as Poole’s potential bargain signing this season as he surged away from the start-line to score a resounding victory. Dubbed ‘Wild Thing’, he certainly looked an exciting capture as he won with plenty to spare. Lindgren again showed his tenacity from the back.

Rory Schlein responded for the visitors with a dominant heat five performance ahead of Ricky Kling, with Dennis Andersson retiring and later withdrawing from the meeting due to injury.

Ward and Masters again turned on the style to repeat their race one heroics in the sixth outing. Ward’s win was never in doubt but the plaudits went to Masters as he produced some daredevil riding to first get past Chris Schramm before leaving Adam Shields trailing with a fine show of bravery and skill.

Miedzinski made it two from two by continuing his impressive evening before Hougaard hit back with a perfectly-timed tactical. The in-form Belle Vue man took the long way round from the tapes to get away from Masters and comfortably hold on for a six-pointer that reduced Poole’s hefty advantage.

Shields won heat nine as the points were shared and Aces stayed within five of the hosts.

Hougaard denied Ward and Masters another maximum heat success but he had to settle for second place as the fast-starting Ward left his rivals trailing.

For once, Miedzinski was out-gated in heat 11 but he was not behind for long. The Polish star flew past Schlein to leave the Aussie with a face-full of dust.

The hugely impressive Hougaard’s rapid getaway proved enough to restrict Kling and Lindgren to the minor points in heat 12, before the big guns arrived at the tapes for race 13.

Miedzinski and Ward did not disappoint as they served up a masterclass in team riding to deliver a 5-1.

Charlie Gjedde got an Aces win in heat 14 before Ward fittingly ended the night with a powerful victory.