Middlo boosted by Skornicki's return (From Bournemouth Echo)

Middlo boosted by Skornicki's return

7:00am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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NEIL Middleditch believes Adam Skornicki's return from injury is a "timely boost" ahead of Pirates' home league clash against Eastbourne tonight (7.30pm).

Poole Castle Cover's boss also feels it is a "bonus" the experienced Pole slots back in at reserve with Freddie Eriksson moving up into the main body of the team.

Skornicki, who has recovered from a broken bone in his wrist sustained in a fall at Swindon on March 27, drops down to reserve in the Dorset club's new interim green sheet averages.

They come into affect tonight when the high-riding Eagles return to Wimborne Road just over a month after losing 51-43 in a challenge.

Middleditch said: "It's great to have Adam back and it's a bonus he returns at reserve.

"He has been sorely missed and has to get back into the swing of things.

"I'm sure he will step up to the plate for us.

"He scored nine on Sunday for his Polish team Poznan, which augurs well.

"Adam was very disappointed to have sustained the injury when he did because he was enjoying the start of the season.

"He's been missed, particularly when we lost 48-45 at Coventry on Friday and got nothing from rider replacement.

"I'm not saying we would have won at Wolves or Belle Vue if he had ridden in those meetings either, but we might have come away from Belle Vue with a win."

Middleditch added: "Adam's return takes the extra pressure off everyone, especially Freddie who was having to take extra rides at reserve, which is hard work.

"Now Adam's back, everyone knows they have to do their own job and look after themselves because a couple of the boys need to knuckle down a bit.

"It's nice to have a full strength team again. It gives us a bit of continuity. We've lacked that because of other injuries to Karol (Zabik) and Zibi (Suchecki)."

Eastbourne are the only side to pass the 40-point barrier as Pirates have rattled up six comfortable home wins this year.

Middleditch said: "Eastbourne have excellent riders in Lee Richardson and Scott Nicholls, who certainly know their way round Poole.

"We have to have our wits about us tonight. It'll be a big test.

"They're one of three sides who've picked up away wins and we mustn't let those teams get away from us in the table.

"We need to keep winning at home and now we're back at full strength get some away wins."

Pirates: Bjarne Pedersen, Freddie Eriksson, Chris Holder, Karol Zabik, Davey Watt, Adam Skornicki, Zbigniew Suchecki.

Eastbourne: Scott Nicholls, Lewis Bridger, Lee Richardson, Cameron Woodward, Edward Kennett, Simon Gustafsson, James Brundle.

Poole's new averages, without bonus points, are: Holder (8.14), Pedersen (7.86), Watt (7.86), Eriksson (6.40), Zabik (5.00, assessed 2007 figure), Skornicki (4.89, 2007), Suchecki (3.65, 2007), Jordan Frampton (3.00, 2007).

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