PARTY poopers Pirates sealed a commanding 56-34 challenge match victory at Somerset in the Rebels showcase 20th anniversary meeting.

Josh Grajczonek totalled 12 paid 14 for the visitors at Oak Tree Arena, while Jack Holder sparked back into form with a paid maximum from four rides.

Pirates boss Neil Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “It was a good win, most people would say it was expected but it was just nice to see the boys making some starts.

“They have just got to keep that form and carry it on into tomorrow’s meeting (at home to Belle Vue). It’s a confidence booster for the boys.”

Pirates stamped their authority on the contest from the outset after Richie Worrall returned to the Poole line-up to claim victory in heat one.

He was joined by Holder, who was also quick out of the gate as the visitors rattled in a maximum to kick off proceedings.

Jordan Jenkins, guesting for Poole at reserve, then fell with fellow guest Paul Starke ahead in race two. Starke however produced some heroics to triumph in the re-run and ensure a shared heat.

Reserve Starke was back out in heat three for Pirates after Danish star Nicolai Klindt was penalised for going through the tapes as drama ensued. Starke was forced to start 15-metres back after his bike failed and he exceeded the two-minute time allowance.

Grajczonek kept his cool for Pirates however, seeing off the challenge of Nico Covatti, who was turning out for his Championship club, and Josh Bates.

Pirates run of heat winners continued when Brady Kurtz triumphed to secure a 3-3 in heat four, as the visitors kept their four-point advantage.

And Aussie ace Holder then joined the party by getting the better of Bates in a fierce battle in heat five – Worrall claimed third to earn Poole their second race advantage.

In-form star Brady Kurtz was at it again to seal the spoils in the following heat as Poole surged into a 22-14 lead.

Chris Harris, the man who was instrumental in Poole’s 2018 SGB Premiership title victory, then took command to earn Somerset’s first race win of the night.

After surrendering the lead to Grajczonek, the Cornishman wrestled back the advantage on bend one of the second lap to force a 3-3.

Merseysider Worrall then recorded his second win after overcoming Anders Rowe, Jenkins earned third to increase the visitors’ lead by edging out Todd Kurtz.

Brady Kurtz continued his flawless start to the meeting by leading from the gate ahead of Covatti in heat nine.

Pirates then rattled off back-to-back 5-1s to virtually put to bed the contest. Klindt and Grajczonek, and Holder and Worrall doing the damage.

Klindt then took the chequered flag in heat 12 to seal the overall contest with a 4-2 alongside Starke in third.

Holder got the better of Harris with Brady Kurtz third in heat 13, before Grajczonek eased to victory over Covatti for a shared penultimate race.

And Grajczonek emerged victorious again having been nominated alongside Worrall for heat 15. With the final race shared 3-3, the visitors cruised to a 22-point victory