PIRATES have been dealt a major blow ahead of their grand final showdown with Swindon with the news that Piotr Pawlicki will miss the rest of the season.

Pawlicki had already been a major doubt for the two-legged Elite League clash after sustaining a shoulder injury while riding in Sweden.

And Pirates chief Matt Ford has today confirmed that the defending champions will definitely have to cope without the Polish sensation.

Ford said: “We have just received the news from Poland that the extent of Piotr’s shoulder injury, sustained in the Swedish play-off final this week, will rule out Piotr for the rest of the season.

“I cannot begin to describe just what a major blow this is to us. We have all seen what a huge difference he has made to the side since joining us.”

Pirates will be forced to use rider replacement for Pawlicki.

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