1999
Major shake-up at Poole ! New
riders, promoters and team manager. New air of optimism.
The Riders:
Mark Loram; on-loan from Exeter and an immediate hit. Has had one of his best
ever years, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix series, close to the top of the
league averages and dubbed "most exciting rider in the World" by
many. An inspiration and surely a regular in the future.
Gary Havelock; Became a permanent Poole asset in the winter. His return
to form on arrival at Poole in 1998 heralded a superb season in 1999. An
inspirational captain who is never short of an opinion, was a rock around
Wimborne Road.
Scott Nicholls; On-loan from Ipswich, Scott had his best ever season,
curtailed in September by a broken elbow. His forceful riding won him a few
enemies but also many points.
Lee Richardson; A full signing from Reading, Lee was never fazed by the
pressure of stepping-up to the Elite league. Whilst consistency can only
improve, Lee was effective at all tracks, and became World U-21 Champion. A
major player in the future of Poole.
Matej Ferjan; The first signing of 1999, 'Matty' lacked consistency but after
a mid-season lull was invaluable, picking up wins at most tracks. Frequently exchanged
a reserve berth with Zorro.
Magnus Zetterstrom; Mr Entertainment and the character of the team. His
victory celebrations will be long-remembered and Zorro had many race wins to
perfect the 'dance'. The only survivor from 1998, but missed the crucial
closing weeks of the season due to a broken leg suffered at Peterborough.
Guests; Poole fielded many guests during the season, due to Martin Willis'
early retirement. Greatest to impress were:
Jesper Olsen (Newcastle); fast gating and wild style impressed but Jesper
suffered serious facial injuries guesting for Poole at Oxford at the end of
September.
Oliver Allen (Swindon); Impressive youngster who showed more than a few
glimpses of great potential.
All regulars ended the season with improved averages.
Elite League; Poole lost out to Peterborough on the last heat of their
last match when, in a pulsating live-TV duel, they were narrowly beaten at
Kings Lynn, whilst 'Boro won at home. Late starters in Elite League fixtures,
Poole had many matches in hand over long-term leaders Ipswich, however so did
'Boro. In the closing weeks, 'Boro were left with only 3 away wins and 2 away
draws, but several home fixtures, which were duly won. Their only lost bonus
point was to Poole who grabbed every bonus point but who crucially only managed
3 away wins. The margin was just one point.
Craven Shield; Poole sneaked through to the final
stages despite a rocky home
form dropping 5 points. Facing Peterborough in the semi-final, the Panthers
secured a 10-point aggregate win with a 52-38 home win to follow a narrow 43-47
defeat at Poole. The Panthers went on to beat Coventry by a narrow aggregate
margin, to complete the 'Treble', thus emulating the feats of Ipswich in 1998.
What a return to the Elite League!
KO Cup; Poole walloped Kings Lynn to set-up a semi-final clash with Coventry. Home and away wins wrapped up a 17-point aggregate victory and a Final against...Peterborough! The Pirates were thwarted once more but only by 4-points on aggregate, Crump and Sullivan the key for the Panthers.
