Pirates: Ward confident in 2010 line-up (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pirates: Ward confident in 2010 line-up

7:00am Wednesday 17th February 2010 in

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WONDERKID Darcy Ward firmly believes Pirates are capable of living up to their pre-season billing as Elite League title favourites.

And Poole’s record signing has pledged to do everything within his power to help the club capture silverware this year.

Ward is far from fazed by the bumper £28,000-plus price tag put on his head by Pirates chief Matt Ford this winter when he bought the 17-year-old’s British contract from second-tier King’s Lynn.

In fact, the reigning world under-21 champion, wanted by every top-flight club, can’t wait to get among the big boys after inspiring Stars to a Premier League treble in 2009.

Speaking to the Echo from his Brisbane home, Ward said: “Poole have been made title favourites, and, of course, it’s all on paper.

“But I believe we can do it. We just have to go out and do it – try to live up to where people are putting their money.

“Hopefully I can play my part, not just for the fans and the club, but for myself.

“I just have to concentrate on doing my job, although I’m not sure who I’ll be partnering yet or whether I’ll be riding at two or four.”

Ward, set to return to England early next month, added: “It’s a bit of a bonus for me having all the Aussie boys around, Davey Watt, Chris Holder and Jason Doyle.

“Davey has been at Poole for a while, so has Chris, and Doyley is not shy.

“So I think we can live up to what we look like on paper.

“At his best, Bjarne (Pedersen) can be on fire. If he does what we know he can do, we’ll be alright.

“Leon (Madsen) is a quick gater. He can jump out there and score some big points, and Artur (Mroczka) is a young rider like me who always goes out and gives 100 per cent.

“So as a team I think we can have a big year.”

Ward, who broke Peterborough’s track record in his first ride there last year, continued: “I had every option you could ask for.

“But I chose Poole because it’s always been a great club, one of the teams that is always up there near the top, except last year.

“Matt’s found me a place to live, I’ve got some great sponsors and the Aussies will help me out, so I thought Poole was my best option.

“My dad, Bryan, is not going to be with me this year for the first time, so I have to do it on my own.

“But hopefully we can win everywhere we go.

“I think there will be a real team spirit. All the boys are pretty cool and calm and we’ll have some fun while we’re doing the job.”