Pirates: Ford hoping Masters will make Poole his home

The Wimborne Road chief wants to see the Australian become Poole’s latest wonder from Down Under.

Fast-learner Masters has so far proved a big hit since being signed as a doubling-up rider.

The 20-year-old, who rode in the Elite League for King’s Lynn last year, has made an immediate impact since donning the skull and crossbones.

Reigning Premier League riders’ champion Masters provided proof of his credentials with an eight paid nine-point effort at Coventry when Poole made a dream start to their title defence earlier this month.

Ford believes Pirates’ decision to recruit Masters will be fully justified and he is hoping the star will opt to put down permanent roots in Poole.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Sam only rode 11 matches for King’s Lynn last year, achieving a three-and-a-half-point average. He has had very few matches and we will give him time. He has still got to adjust and find his feet at this level.

“But he is such a great lad and he is very easy to deal with, as the others are. He feels at home and I know this will be somewhere he will make home for a long time.”

Pirates have enjoyed plenty of success with Australian riders in the past and Ford is tipping Masters to continue that trend.

Ford added: “His eight paid nine – four second places – at Coventry on Good Friday was outstanding and the riders he defeated were very good riders.

“We always knew Sam was going to be good and I had a really good feeling about him.

“He was the person I most wanted to come into Poole this season because I knew that being with Chris and Darcy would get the best out of him.

“But I have got to say he has surprised me with just how well he has done. I wasn’t for one minute expecting him to have a bad time, but he has just done very well.

“It is good and I am very happy with Sam’s progress. He is doing very well and, fingers crossed, he will keep that up for the campaign and start building a full-time career for himself in the future.”