PIRATES chief Matt Ford has hailed the recent exploits of Brady Kurtz, describing the Aussie ace as “a genuine number one”.

Kurtz, in common with his fellow riders, received his fair share of criticism as Poole made a poor start to their SGB Premiership campaign.

But the 21-year-old has started to show his rich potential and has played a key role in Pirates’ push for the play-offs.

Kurtz received the rider-of-the-night accolade after scorching to a 12-point maximum in Poole’s comprehensive 61-29 win over King’s Lynn seven days ago.

He twice lowered the colours of English’s speedway’s new golden boy Robert Lambert as Pirates steamrollered the Stars.

Kurtz also picked up 18 paid 20 points in the recent drubbings of Leicester and scored 11 paid 12 in Australia’s Test victory over Great Britain on Saturday.

He will be hoping to maintain his form when Pirates again lock horns with the Lions at Wimborne Road tomorrow (7.30pm).

Promoter Ford said: “We started the season poorly – everybody knows that – and Brady probably got his fair share of criticism alongside many of the other riders.

“But I think Brady showed that he is a genuine number one in the victory against King’s Lynn. He was sensational and looked incredibly quick – long may it continue.”

Pirates: Brady Kurtz, Josh Grajczonek, Nicolai Klindt, Richie Worrall, Chris Harris, Kacper Woryna, Frederik Jakobsen.

Lions: Hans Andersen, Ricky Wells, David Bellego (G), Stuart Robson, Scott Nicholls, Connor Mountain, David Howe (G).