THE term ‘great’ is overused in sport. Often thrown around like confetti, performers undeserving of the description lap it up.

But for those that witnessed something truly special at Wimborne Road on Monday night, uttering the word was not a wanton use of hyperbole.

Professing to be in the presence of greatness is a rare claim that not many can make.

On this occasion, it was simply a statement of fact.

Having already propelled themselves into the category as far as Pirates fans were concerned, Chris Holder and Darcy Ward demonstrated there were few in global sport to rival their rich talents.

Anybody who has spent any significant amount of time following the exploits of the Australians cannot have failed to have been impressed.

At 24 and 19 years old, respectively, both are yet to take charge on the GP stage.

But their time will surely come. You could not wish to see two more exciting rising stars, regardless of whether your sport of choice centres on engines, balls or boats.

Destined to rule speedway for years to come, the people of Dorset have the privilege of seeing them on their doorstep.

As Pirates promoter Matt Ford put it recently in an interview with the Daily Echo: “It doesn’t get any better.”

His firm belief is that Holder and Ward will go down in history as the best pair of riders to don the Poole race jackets together. That is quite a boast but, then again, Ford is quite a judge. On the evidence of the play-off semi-final second leg, his case is not without merit.

In front of the Sky Sports cameras and a bumper crowd, the dynamic duo showed everybody what all the fuss has been about.

They led the dismantling of King’s Lynn in one of the most comprehensive victories you are likely to see in the latter stages of any sporting competition.

Combining explosive gating with smooth riding, Holder’s paid maximum was made to look simple. Ward, in trademark fashion, provided a few more fireworks. At times, the duo were breathtaking.

Word is travelling fast. The terraces were packed – with the roof almost coming off when Ward and Holder delivered their heat 13 party piece.

Their sensational example of team riding will live long in the memory. Kenneth Bjerre barely knew what had hit him as Ward flew past, expertly forcing him wide to create space for his pal to also slip straight through.

But if their on-track qualities are a sight to behold, the pair also have plenty going for them off it.

Just minutes after their show-stopping performances, Holder and Ward could be found sipping drinks and casually chatting with friends and fans in the bar.

Any notion of superstar airs and graces was quickly dispelled. The Aussies are just normal guys – until they climb on to a speedway bike.

With the talents of Holder and Ward to call upon, these are indeed heady days for the Pirates. And after watching them on Monday, Ford’s words seemed prophetic: “It does not get any better.”

When you are in the presence of greatness, how can it?