AARON Baseby has paid tribute to the “amazing team spirit” within the Buccaneers camp that he feels has underpinned their chase for a league and cup double.

Bournemouth Castle Cover’s reserve also believes riding regularly in a winning team has helped improve his own personal performances by giving him more confidence.

Baseby, who lines up for Buccaneers at home to Plymouth in the National League title play-off final, first leg, at Poole tonight (7.30pm), only won one out of 16 league and cup matches with Sittingbourne last season.

This year it has been the complete opposite as Buccaneers have only lost four times in 31 meetings.

Baseby, ever present for Bournemouth this term, said: “Of course a winning side will give you a lot more confidence than always being in a losing side.

“But this season we’ve had the pressure of having to prove ourselves just to stay in the Buccaneers team.

“It helps that the riders around you are riding well. We all talk and help each other out. Not just in a riding way, but in the pits and wherever you need it.”

Baseby, who has upped his 2008 average of 4.67, including bonuses, to 5.59, added: “I’m happy with my form and over the moon we have our first bit of silverware, the cup, in the bag.

“There were three or four performances in mid-season I wasn’t happy with, but I’ve got over them.

“I’m confident with a couple of engines and bikes I’ve got. I’m scoring good points, which the team needs, and hopefully I can keep that up against Plymouth.

“It would mean the world to me to complete the double.”

Injured Kyle Newman was released from hospital on Monday and will be at Wimborne Road supporting the team tonight.

Newman, nursing a broken thigh, has pledged to “lift the trophy” at Plymouth on Friday.

Buccaneers: 1 Jay Herne, 2 Rider replacement for Kyle Newman, 3 Danny Warwick, 4 Mark Baseby, 5 Jerran Hart, 6 Andrew Aldridge, 7 Aaron Baseby, 8 John Resch.

Plymouth: 1 Craig Cook (guest), 2 Paul Starke, 3 Matt Bates, 4 Seemond Stephens, 5 Kyle Hughes, 6 Jaimie Pickard, 7 David Gough.