The table – topping  Poole Castle Cover Pirates side lost their final league match of the regular season, slipping to a 38 – 52 point away defeat to Elite League championship play - off rivals Ipswich.

With both clubs actively involved in the end of season play – offs this match offered a pointer as to the outcome of the league title race while the match result would also determine the line – up for the play off semi – finals.

“ I’m disappointed that we didn’t put up a better performance “ said Poole team manager Neil Middleditch  “ We had our chances of getting a result but let it slip through our fingers.”

“ However, our main objective was to get through the match without any of the team picking up a last minute injury.  With the play – off semi finals now less than a week away, we can’t afford to let injuries interfere with our plans.” 

Although Poole  fell behind in the opening heat, they had forced their way back into the reckoning after Heat 5 and for a while looked as though they could be on their way to their ninth away league win of the year.   However the Witches cast a spell over the Pirates ambitions to power their way to a 14 point victory, a victory which coincidentally guarantees them a semi final place against the Pirates at Poole on Moday ( 29 September ) night.