VICTORIOUS Poole Pirates have been congratulated on their triumphant season by the town’s civic leaders.

A reception was held at Poole Civic Centre for the speedway team who conquered the Elite League despite a difficult start to the season.

The Pirates met Mayor, Cllr Phil Eades, in his parlour and council leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson and chief executive John McBride. The riders were presented with an inscribed commemorative Poole Pottery plate in the council chamber to celebrate victory.

“Despite experiencing some stormy seas this season, the Poole Pirates never gave up and it was fantastic to welcome the team here to the Civic Centre,” said the Mayor.

“The success of the team despite injuries to Darcy Ward and Chris Holder is a true testament to the fantastic team spirit that Matt Ford and Neil Middleditch continue to inspire among the riders and their achievements are a credit to our town.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the Poole Pirates with council staff, Poole Pirates management, promoters, sponsors and of course most importantly the riders themselves.

“Congratulations on another title winning season and long may your success continue,” he said.

Cllr Atkinson said everyone was very proud of them. “The team are a tremendous asset to the town and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish next year.”

Matt Ford, owner and promoter of Poole Pirates, thanked the council for its support. “We are immensely proud that we managed to overcome some very bad injuries to key team members and it really is a credit to the fantastic team spirit that we’ve had such a successful season.”