TEAM boss Neil Middleditch insisted Poole Pirates deserved all the credit for drubbing Lakeside – despite his shock at how the Hammers collapsed last night.

The Purfleet-based strugglers tracked a wealth of Wimborne Road experience in Grand Prix star Andreas Jonsson, Edward Kennett and guests Kyle Howarth and Vaclav Milik but offered precious little resistance as Pirates romped to a 60-30 success.

GP pair Maciej Janowski and Chris Holder cruised to paid maximums, a feat matched by veteran Davey Watt prior to his third place in the nominated heat with Paul Starke registering seven paid nine – his best Elite League haul for the Pirates.

Asked if he had been surprised by the margin of victory, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Very much so. I looked down their team and really expected them to push us all the way but I must say, we were very sharp throughout.

“We made our starts and didn’t let our foot off the gas so the whole team deserves a lot of credit. We couldn’t ask for anything more because everybody weighed in with points.

“It was nice to see Starkey win a couple of races. He rode really well with good aggression and looked on the pace. Davey is in a good groove at the moment too, so things are looking good.”