PIRATES’ rookie reserve Josh Grajczonek has revealed his determination to make the most of his big opportunity at Poole.

The 23-year-old Aussie bagged 8+1 in Pirates’ crucial 49-41 victory over his former club Swindon on Monday as Neil Middleditch’s men secured three Elite League points by the smallest of margins.

Somerset Rebels rider Grajczonek impressed as a guest before being named in Matt Ford’s latest one-to-seven – the Queenslander’s first regular team berth with an Elite League club.

And after his stellar start to life at Wimborne Road, Grajczonek declared he would be giving his all after being handed the chance to feature for one of British speedway’s leading lights.

Grajczonek told the Daily Echo: “There were a lot of injuries and a lot of changes at Poole, but Matt (Ford) gave me the chance and I jumped at it.

“I had been a guest quite a few times in the Elite League as well as riding for Somerset, but when I got the chance to ride in a one-to-seven, especially at a club like Poole, I just had to take it.

“There were a few other clubs interested but Poole is one of the top places to ride and I knew there were quite a few Aussies in the team which was always going to help me. I am really happy to be here.

“Every time you talk about the Elite League, Poole comes to mind. It is the name that always stands out and it is good to be riding for a club like this. Many good people have ridden here and it is great to be a part of it.”

Grajczonek will feature in only his second away meeting for Poole in the reverse fixture at Swindon tonight (7.30pm) as he searches for his first Pirates points on away shale.

The visitors will run with rider replacement for Rohan Tungate while Robins expect to be back at full strength with Peter Kildemand recovering from a bout of concussion and Ashley Birks back from Premier League commitments.

On the race for the top four, Grajczonek added: “We are still pushing for that play-off place and hopefully we can get there.

“It is tough because, while you want to win every race it doesn’t always work out that way. You really have to fight for every point.

“But we’ve definitely got a good chance. I just need to pick up my form and if we can score some points on the road we’ll be right in there.”

Swindon: (from) Hans Andersen, Troy Batchelor, Ashley Birks, Kyle Howarth, Edward Kennett, Peter Kildemand, Nick Morris. Team manager: Alun Rossiter.

Pirates: (from) Darcy Ward, Tomas H Jonasson, Greg Hancock, R/R for Rohan Tungate, Maciej Janowski, Micky Dyer, Josh Grajczonek. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.