POOLE boss Neil Middleditch paid tribute to Aussie ace Brady Kurtz for silencing his doubters in style as he inspired Pirates to a point at Rye House on Saturday.

Despite Poole going down 49-44, the former Aussie champion raced to 16 points from five rides – including a six-point tactical triumph – to ensure the Dorset side left Hoddesdon with a league point.

Kurtz won the final two races, leading Krzysztof Kasprzak to a vital 4-2 in heat 15, which cut Pirates’ deficit to five points, ensuring they maintained their record of taking league points in every SGB Premiership fixture this season.

The 20-year-old was determined to thrive in his second season with Poole after a tough end to 2016, which culminated in him failing to score in the Elite League play-off semi-final decider at Wolverhampton.

But Middleditch is delighted to see the rider who lodges with him at his Sturminster Marshall home repaying Pirates’ faith with big points.

He said: “Brady said it was his apprenticeship last year and he needed to step up his game. He’s certainly doing that in great fashion this season.

“He has come back answering his critics the only way you can – and that’s on the track. He’s doing it brilliantly. He’s not just winning races, he’s winning them by a long, long way.”

Kurtz was supported by nine points from Kasprzak, with the Pole showing great fight on the tight and technical Hoddesdon track.

Middleditch admitted he had enjoyed a large slice of fortune as he snatched third place in the nominated race.

He revealed: “His engine blew up as he came across the line apparently, so that was a bit of luck which went out way.”

Middleditch called on the Leszno-born ace to focus on his racing rather than his machinery as he bids to regain top form.

“I think KK is his own worst enemy,” he said. “He thinks too much about his engines and maybe he needs to sit back, concentrate on his racing and let that do the talking.

“He tends to mess around with his bikes a bit too much as far as I’m concerned. But he is a talented rider. It’s just he hasn’t hit top form. There is loads more to come from him and I know he is enjoying himself.”

Middleditch insisted Pirates’ best was yet to come as they stand just three points behind league leaders Belle Vue in second – having raced one fewer home match.

He said: “There’s still room for improvement. You haven’t seen our best by a long, long way.

“I think there is more in the tank for the Pirates and we have to keep that ball rolling. It’s a long season and there is still a long way to go.

“That’s 11 points over the past five meetings and points everywhere. You can’t ask for much more than that to be honest.”