HANS Andersen helped Pirates shatter the 60-point barrier in their Elite League opener before admitting the reigning champions’ potential was frightening.

Danish star Andersen was one of four riders to rack up 11-point hauls as Pirates demolished Swindon 61-31 at Wimborne Road yesterday.

And the 35-year-old winter recruit insisted Pirates could hand out even heavier beatings to their top-flight rivals over the coming months.

Andersen told the Daily Echo: “I was surprised by the scoreline. To win by 30 points with not all of us riding to our potential is pretty good.

“It’s a nice shot to fire out in the early days of the league and it’s a good sign to smash teams.

“As a team, you see what we can do. I dread to think what we could do on a day when everyone really fires.

“It’s a buzz to be part of this team. Everyone is enjoying themselves and winning races.

“When you are in a team that wins races it takes the pressure off everyone, not just the riders who you expect to perform.

“When there is no pressure and everyone is having a laugh, everyone rides 10 to 15 per cent better.”

Although he racked up an impressive personal haul, Andersen insisted his display had been nothing out of the ordinary.

The former Coventry charger surrendered second place after running wide in heat 15 – which cost Poole a seventh maximum of the day – but held his nerve to finish third.

Andersen said: “I thought today was pretty average for me.

“I did alright but struggled a bit with track conditions and I didn’t feel too well either, which nearly put me in the boards in the last race!

“There was a few bumps on the track due to the weather and I hit one bump too many and it cost me a place because it was an easy 5-1. I was lucky I didn’t crash.

“It was just one of those things. Scoring 11 was pretty good but I can do better.”

Poole take on Swindon in the return clash at the Abbey Stadium tomorrow (5pm) and Andersen is looking forward to going back to his old stamping ground.

The former Grand Prix ace was a popular figure amongst the Robins faithful during 2012 and 2013, with the club winning the league title in the first of those seasons.

Andersen, who also won the Elite League with Peterborough in 2006, added: “I always enjoy going to Swindon, even as an away rider.

“I just hope the weather holds out and if we can go and win there, it will be good.”