POOLE Pirates will kick off their Elite League title defence with a trip to last season’s championship rivals King’s Lynn.

After a two-legged Elite Shield showdown against the Stars, Pirates make the lengthy trek to the Norfolk Arena in pursuit of precious points to kick-start their league programme.

The stern test is followed by a derby double-header against Swindon on Good Friday with the Robins visiting Wimborne Road at 11am before heading up to Wiltshire for a return fixture on the same day.

POOLE READYPOWER PIRATES 2015 FIXTURES

Wednesday 25 March: Poole v King's Lynn (ES)

Thursday 26 March: King's Lynn v Poole (ES)

Tuesday 31 March: King's Lynn v Poole (EL)

Friday 3 April: Poole v Swindon (EL) 11am

Friday 3 April: Swindon v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 8 April: Poole v Lakeside (EL)

Friday 10 April: Coventry v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 15 April: Poole v Coventry (EL)

Wednesday 29 April: Poole v Belle Vue (EL)

Monday 4 May: Wolverhampton v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 6 May: Poole v Wolverhampton (EL)

Friday 8 May: Lakeside v Poole (EL)

Monday 18 May: Belle Vue v Poole (EL)

Monday 25 May: Leicester v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 27 May: Poole v Leicester (EL)

Thursday 28 May: King's Lynn v Poole (EL) TBC

Wednesday 3 June: Poole v King's Lynn (EL)

Wednesday 17 June: Poole v Coventry (EL)

Wednesday 1 July: King's Lynn v Poole (EL) TBC

Wednesday 8 July: Poole v Lakeside (EL)

Monday 20 July: Wolverhampton v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 22 July: Poole v Wolverhampton (EL)

Thursday 23 July: Swindon v Poole (EL)

Monday 3 August: Belle Vue v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 5 August: Poole v Leicester (EL)

Wednesday 12 August: Poole v Belle Vue (EL)

Friday 14 August: Coventry v Poole (EL)

Wednesday 19 August: Poole v Swindon (EL)

Friday 21 August: Lakeside v Poole (EL)

Monday 31 August: Leicester v Poole (EL)

TBC: Poole v King's Lynn (EL)