TRURO trapper Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris believes Pirates “put down a marker” by lowering the colours of fellow SGB Premiership high-fliers Somerset.

Harris played a pivotal role by conjuring one of the quickest gates of his career to settle in Poole’s favour a pulsating contest at Wimborne Road six days ago.

The 35-year-old’s exploits allowed him to hold off the challenge of world champion Jason Doyle and Jack Holder in a dramatic last-heat decider.

It earned Poole a potentially-crucial 47-43 victory over the Rebels, with the teams due to renew rivalries at Somerset’s Oaktree Arena tomorrow.

Harris told the Daily Echo: “I haven’t made many starts like that in my career and just timed it right. Just as the referee was pressing the button, I released the clutch and got out first.

“Somerset are a strong side and we always knew it was going to be one of our toughest meetings.

“Josh Grajczonek was pretty consistent throughout but it was an up-and-down night for everyone else. Hopefully, the win will put down a marker.”

Three-time British champion and three-time Elite League winner Harris banked 11 paid 12 points against Somerset, taking to 45 paid 53 his tally since joining Pirates last month.

The Cornishman, a hugely popular figure among the Wimborne Road faithful, added: “Poole had started on a good run a couple of meetings before I got here and we have kept it going.

“We have improved and the team spirit has got better. When we gel and all hit that one good night, we are going to make a team suffer and, hopefully, that will be in the final.

“Every match is going to be tight from now on and we just need to be on it from the first heat and keep it going for the rest of the season.

“The track is good and it suits me. It could do with a little more dirt but, other than that, I have always enjoyed coming here.

"It is a good race track, the fans have always made me welcome and it is a track you can race on. I am very fortunate and would like to thank the fans for making me welcome whichever side of the pits I am on.”

Harris said he was keen to finish the season at Poole with a flourish and would keep his options open regarding the possibility of returning to the club next year.

Pirates promoter Matt Ford, speaking to the Daily Echo last week, revealed Harris would “definitely come into the equation” for next season.

Harris became available following the demise of Rye House and replaced Linus Sundstrom after the Swede had asked to be taken out of the firing line.

“It is hard to make a plan for next year when we don’t know what the rules are going to be,” said Harris.

“Matt said once he knows, he will probably give me a ring but we will have to wait and see. There is a long way to go this season and we have a lot of work to do. It is a long winter.

“Matt said he had been trying to get me here for 10 years and never made the phone call because he couldn’t fit me in.

“I have shown what I can bring to a team and the fans have come out in support as well.

“For one reason or another, it has been and up-and-down season for me. But I am happy here, I am settled and am enjoying it.”