PIRATES stars will tomorrow attend a civic reception in honour of their SGB Premiership-winning exploits.

The Dorset club defeated King’s Lynn in an epic play-off final in October having three months earlier been bottom of the league table.

In recognition of this impressive triumph, Mayor of Poole Sean Gabriel will meet Poole racers Josh Grajczonek, Brady Kurtz and Richie Worrall at the Civic Centre.

Pirates owner Matt Ford, team manager Neil Middleditch and new promoters Danny Ford and Anthony Tilley will also be among the party.

Nicolai Klindt, the only other rider to retain his place in the line-up, is unable to attend due to commitments in Poland.

That night Grajczonek, Kurtz and Worrall – alongside new number one Jack Holder – will join both Fords and Tilley at a Riders’ Equipment Fund event at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

Presenter Nigel Leahy will be the master of ceremonies as riders and promoters alike answer questions from supporters.

Poole will race competitively for the first time in 2019 when they travel to Somerset for a challenge match on Wednesday, April 3.

Nico Covatti, who is due to represent both clubs this year, will ride for the Rebels in this fixture.

One of Somerset's reserves, Henry Atkins or Anders Rowe, will race for Poole and the hosts will cover for this absence with a guest.

The idea behind the switches is to level the playing field and make the meeting a more entertaining spectacle.