DANNY Ford urged Pirates’ class of 2019 to hit the ground running when their season gets underway at Somerset tomorrow (7.30pm).

Poole start their 2019 campaign at Oaktree Arena with a challenge match to celebrate the Rebels’ 20th anniversary.

And newly-installed promoter Ford, son of Pirates owner Matt, is keen for the reigning SGB Premiership champions to “lay down a marker” as they look to defend their top-flight crown.

He said: “We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new-look team out on the track and it will certainly be an opportunity for the riders to dust off the cobwebs of a long winter.

“And despite it being a challenge fixture, we’ll be wanting to ensure we put on a good performance to lay down a marker to the rest of the Premiership clubs that we’re here to win that title again.

“And with our Premiership Shield meetings against King’s Lynn, opening league match against Peterborough and Supporters’ Cup clashes against Swindon still to come in April, it’s important the boys get up to speed quickly once the competitive action starts later this month.”

New Pirates recruit Nico Covatti will line up for the Championship Rebels tomorrow night having penned deals with both clubs for 2019, so young Somerset reserve Anders Rowe lines up in Poole colours.

Pirates host the club’s annual press and practice session on Thursday, before travelling to the Adrian Flux Arena in Norfolk on Monday to face off with the Stars in the Premiership Shield.