The Poole RIAS Pirates pulled out all the stops to over turn both Reading and Swindon to ensure that they reached the finals of the BSPA Craven Shield for the second time in the last two years, and set up a thrilling end to their 2006 campaign.

Leading by 3 points after the first two legs, Pirates started slowly and looked to be on the verge of going out of the competition, but a 5 -1 from Pedersen and Boyce in Heat 6 started a Pirate revival that lasted throughout the rest of the meeting.  Kasprzak and Jason Doyle edged Poole closer to the winning post with another maximum win in Heat 14, before Jonas Davidson and Davey Watt put the result beyond doubt with another Poole 5 – 1 in the following race.

With Greg Walasek and Anton Lindback both ruled out of this finely balanced semi final third leg, the Pirates looked to have their work cut out but some fine riding from Krzysztof Kasprzak, ably supported by Bjarne Pedersen and Craig Boyce swung this cup tie Poole’s way.

“ This is a great result for us and our fans” said Poole team manager NEIL MIDDLEDITCH “ as it gives us a great chance of redeeming what has been a poor season for us.  Now that we are in the final, it would be really pleasing to go all the way and pick up the silverware.”

“ I must admit that things looked a little shaky with Lindback and Walasek missing from the side for this match, but Davey Watt and Jason Doyle proved to be more than adequate replacements and their 100 per cent efforts certainly helped us to reach the finals.  Kris Kasprzak had a big meeting, and with Bjarne Pedersen and Craig Boyce also hitting good form we were able to hang on and win through. All in all it was another good team performance, and one which will give us a big boost for the finals”

So the finals of the 2006 BSPA Craven Shield sees the Pirates go head to head with Coventry and Eastbourne with the first leg at Coventry on Friday 20 October.  The second leg is at Eastbourne on Sunday 22 October, with the third and final leg at Poole on Wednesday 25 October.

Pirates Scorechart : -

Kasprzak  10  -  Pedersen  8 -  Boyce  8  -  Watt  8  - Davidsson  4  -  Doyle  2.