THROUGH THE TAPES – JUNE 17 2015

TWO full teams, 15 heats and ideal racing conditions. This time there could be no excuses.

Coventry might have felt aggrieved at the manner in which they had succumbed to Pirates at the start of June but no such complaints could be made this time out.

The Bees were stubborn competitors but did not possess the firepower to see off their opponents for the second time this season.

Pirates therefore increased their advantage at the top of the Elite League and sent an ominous warning to their rivals that a third straight top-flight title is well and truly in their sights.

Chris Holder was in sparkling form during his side’s 53-37 victory at Wimborne Road.

The Aussie had struggled to deliver from the number one spot earlier this season but a 13 paid 14 haul against Pirates’ title rivals showed how far he had come.

The 2012 world champion, who secured four wins from five rides, appeared close to his best and that will be a significant worry for the rest of the Elite League.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder 13+1, 2 Dave Watt 8+1, 3 Dakota North 11+2, 4 Kacper Gomolski 5+3, 5 Maciej Janowski 8+1, 6 Paul Starke 1, 7 Kyle Newman 7+1.