BULLISH promoter Matt Ford argued his Poole Pirates had eclipsed Belle Vue’s class of 1972 – by completing their treble with the burden of team-building restrictions.

Pirates became the first British club to lift a third straight top-flight crown since the Aces dominated speedway’s ultimate silverware with a 46-44 play-off final victory over the Mancunians on Wednesday.

It was the first time any club had won three in a row in the Elite League era or since the limit on cumulative rider averages had come into force for promoters.

And coupled with his seventh triumph in charge coming on the back of no permanent team changes, the Wimborne Road chief had his pick of reasons to see an extra glint on Poole’s latest trophy.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “What Belle Vue did all those years ago was one hell of an achievement but I have to say, it was easier in those days than it is now.

“The points limit restricts who you can have. Speedway in those days was a money sport. You could sign whoever you wanted so, with the greatest of respect, I feel this has been earned in a harder way.

“It has been an amazing effort from the lads and the lovely thing is that this same seven here now are the same as the ones that started our first meeting back in March.

“Yes, we took a couple of injuries but we won it with the same side which is a massive achievement and one I don’t think I have ever had before.”

But Ford admitted the joy of winning for stricken ace Darcy Ward had inevitably been tinged with sadness with a lot made of the Aussie ace’s Grand Prix number – 43 – matching the number of years since Belle Vue’s triple.

“With what happened with Darcy, it means an awful lot,” he added. “The number 43 thing is quite strange and eerie in a way, particularly on a night that is dedicated to him.

“It has been horrible, the whole period. As soon as anyone says Darcy’s name, the feelings come flooding back. It is very hard but we have done it for him and feel very proud to have done so.

“The whole town should look at this now and feel a part of a great achievement for everyone at the club. It is a real team effort, we marvel at the boys on track but our team goes way beyond that.

“From the people that help us week in, week out, the volunteers, the sponsors that we keep on board year after year, we have one hell of a support network.”

Pirates will raise funds for the Darcy Ward Foundation when a Maciej Janowski select side meets Team Monster at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.