PROMOTER Matt Ford admitted a vast shadow had been cast over Pirates’ campaign but urged his troops to make Darcy Ward proud by creating Elite League history.

Club asset Ward remains in hospital after suffering spinal damage in a crash in Poland 15 days ago, with the Aussie’s wellbeing the subject of worldwide concern.

And while Ford’s thoughts are largely occupied by the 23-year-old’s condition, he insists Pirates must not let their hopes of a unprecedented third straight Elite League title slip away.

Having already ensured top spot, Pirates are tonight due to complete their regular-season programme when they host Swindon (7.30pm), the club at which Ward spent six weeks on loan in July and August.

And Poole will then have the choice of play-off semi-final opponents, with the top four set to be finalised either this evening or on Wednesday.

Ford’s enthusiasm for his beloved sport may have been significantly dimmed by recent events but the Pirates chief says play-off success remains a huge target – with Ward an inspiration.

The promoter told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think there is a shadow of a doubt that this isn’t quite as much fun as it should be. I could go so far as to say that at the moment I’m not having fun with speedway and yet I still genuinely believe it to be the best sport in the world.

“I also know just how cruel it can be. At this point in time I think that’s how we’re all feeling, not just the management of Poole but everybody connected with the club and the sport.

“I know that Darcy would only want the best for the club. He will always be a Pirate and I hope that now we’ve made it this far, we will do ourselves and him proud by going on and securing a victory.

“The way the boys have responded in the two meetings since Darcy’s accident has been outstanding. It’s crunch time now and we really have to be professional in how we go about things.

“We have to pick ourselves up and make the most of the situation. Everything else we will deal with as and when. There is a trophy to be won and that’s exactly what we need to try and do.”

Ford, who revealed a benefit meeting for Ward had been tentatively pencilled in for Wednesday, October 7, added that he would be in no rush to reveal Pirates’ semi-final opponents.

He said: “There is the possibility we may announce our opponents early but I would ideally like to leave it as long as possible because speedway has a tendency of chucking something unexpected up."

Pirates: (from) Chris Holder, Davey Watt, Dakota North, Kacper Gomolski, Kyle Newman, Paul Starke, Kyle Newman.

Robins: (from) Troy Batchelor, Peter Kildemand, Grzegorz Zengota, Charles Wright, Aaron Summers, Lewis Rose, Nick Morris.

  • Pirates’ Kacper Gomolski failed to progress through the Grand Prix Challenge as he scored six points from five rides in Rybnik, Poland. Bartosz Zmarzlik, Piotr Pawlicki and Chris Harris secured their places in the 2016 world championship.