PIRATES captain Danny King proved to be the star of the show as he guested for Championship rivals Plymouth Gladiators.

Plymouth were without treble world champion Jason Crump, who faces a spell on the sidelines having broken at least five ribs in a spectacular crash at Wolverhampton on Monday.

The Aussie walked away from the fall at Monmore Green, but hospital checks later revealed the extent of the damage.

King stepped in at the Coliseum for the meeting with Kent, helping the hosts complete a late comeback.

Trailing by 10 points at one stage, and six behind with three heats to go, Plymouth stormed back to draw the meeting 45-45.

King led the charge with a 15+1 after winning heat 15, with skipper Bjarne Pedersen contributing 11.

Poole return to action on Friday night, with a trip to Glasgow Tigers (7pm).

Pirates began their Championship campaign with an agonising 45-44 loss at Eastbourne Eagles on Saturday.