Riders

Jason Crump 11.14

Bjarne Pedersen 8.98

Craig Boyce 5.19

Sergei Darkin 5.12
dropped after 3 meetings, 10 rides, 0 points

Craig Watson 
replaced Darkin

Edward Kennett 4.52

Troy Batchelor 3.60

Jason Doyle 3.00
broken ankle early April replaced until recovered by Piotr Swist

Piotr Swist
temporary cover for Doyle

A relatively successful season, if you consider finishing 4th successful. The "top heavy" tag proved misplaced during the first half of the season, as youngsters Batchelor, Doyle and predominantly Kennett were strong support for Crump and Pedersen. However, injuries to Doyle, Batchelor and Crump hampered progress and whilst Doyle and Batchelor continued their form, Kennett lost most of his for the second half of the season. Some put this down to Kennett accepting too many guest bookings, though his performances for parent club Eastbourne were largely fruitful. Others suggest his spat with Pedersen, where he publicly accused his Captain of "not being a team rider" after a couple of on-track clashes when a flying Pedersen did not (apparently) look for his partner, was maybe another factor. In the final analysis, it was more youthful exuberance and arrogance, that left many Poole supporters wishing for a Kennett farewell at the end of the season.

Pirates' title aspirations were not helped by Coventry's 16-match unbeaten run which included the only home-loss at Wimborne Road in early September. The Bees beat Poole at Brandon in the semi-final shoot-off, whilst Swindon beat Peterborough. Coventry beat the Robins convincingly in the final, then went on to capture the Craven Shield in a three-way final against Swindon and Poole.

The Bees inflicted another home defeat to end Pirates' KO Cup run, a trophy they also picked up at the expense (again) of Swindon, to complete a magnificent treble.

Jason Crump in his first outing in Pirates' colours (practice, 7th March)

Bjarne Pedersen and Jason Crump

Last Updated : 26/10/07