POOLE Pirates have finalised dates for their Elite Shield double-header with Coventry.

Pirates are due to host the first leg on Wednesday, March 16 with the second leg set to take place on Friday, March 18.

Poole promoter Matt Ford said: "We have won this competition in three of the past four seasons and we are very keen to retain it.

"Once the early-season calendar begins to take shape you know that the season is drawing nearer and our opening fixture is 18 weeks away."

Ford was speaking to the club website.