Pirates: Middlo fears Panthers (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pirates: Middlo fears Panthers

7:00am Thursday 21st January 2010 in

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NEIL Middleditch believes Peterborough’s line-up could be “very dangerous” in the chase for Elite League honours this year.

But Pirates’ team manager insists the Dorset outfit’s starting one-to-seven is as strong as any other top-flight side and can seriously challenge for silverware.

Tapes-up on the new campaign isn’t until mid-to-late March, with Poole Castle Cover’s curtain raiser a home challenge clash against Swindon on March 24.

However, eight out of the nine tracks have completed their line-ups, with only Eastbourne having one berth remaining although Russian champion Denis Gizatullin is hot favourite to fill it.

Pirates’ began last season as reigning champions, but their injury-ravaged and under-performing side slumped to a shock second-from-bottom finish in October.

And the Wimborne Road faithful will be expecting their favourites to bounce back quickly at the other end of the table again this year.

With Poole strengthened by the inclusion of world under-21 champion Darcy Ward on a bargain 4.56 average, Middleditch is also looking for a major turnaround in the club’s fortunes.

Chris Holder, Bjarne Pedersen and Davey Watt begin the campaign as Pirates’ heat leaders, with comeback man Jason Doyle, returning from long-term injury, Leon Madsen and Artur Mroczka completing the side.

Middleditch said: “We look as strong as anyone and I think we have strength in depth with Artur and Leon at reserve.

“We have a bit of a sting in the tail, which we’ve lacked in previous seasons.

“I say it over and over again – reserves play such an important part in any team.

“And I think Artur and Leon can play an important role in our chase for success as long as all the other boys do their jobs as well.

“As always, we’re in it to win it. This year we have a team capable of winning it, but so have a lot of other sides.

“On paper, though, I think we’re as good as any other team in the league.”

Asked who Poole’s main title rivals were likely to be, Middleditch said: “Peterborough look very dangerous, particularly with Troy Batchelor and Lewis Bridger.

“They’ll be an interesting combination.

“They’ve produced fireworks in the past and if they can gel, they’ll be dangerous.

“Coventry always put together a decent side and all the other teams have riders who can improve.”

Middleditch added: “We have riders in our team who have room for improvement.

“I don’t want to be too optimistic, but I’m really pleased with how the team has panned out. It looks very strong.

“It’s a bit of an Aussie enclave in Dorset and the team spirit will be brilliant.

“Bjarne’s not going to be weighed down with the captaincy, and Davey will be a great skipper because he’s always so enthusiastic.

“It seems every year Davey rides for Poole we do very well, so hopefully this year will prove no exception.”