CAPTAIN Danny King heaped praise on new recruit Benjamin Basso and insisted: “By God he’s fast.”

The Pirates skipper was speaking after the Danish youngster make his Wimborne Road debut in Wednesday’s 59-31 success over Newcastle.

Basso showed his speed and relentless racing attitude with a haul of 4+1 against the Diamonds, he did however throw away further points with two falls in his opening three heats.

The 2016 world youth champion did however seal success in heat six for Pirates, leading from the gate to seal a 5-1 alongside Rory Schlein.

Speaking about Poole’s latest recruit, King said: “Good work from Ben, he’s fantastic. It’s going to take him a bit of time to settle in, these tracks are a little bit different.

“But by God he’s fast and he can gate, so I feel we are on to a winner there.”

Speaking on track after his inaugural appearance at Poole, Basso said: “There was great, great fans and really good energy in the stadium, so thank you.”

King himself sealed a maximum against struggling Newcastle, as Poole went three points clear at the top of the Championship table.

“I am really pleased,” said King. “I was making good starts and obviously that makes a big difference, so yeah I can’t really say much more than that. I’m really pleased with how it went.

“Everyone is firing at the minute and we are really clicking as a team, as we keep saying. It’s a busy week coming up again off to Edinburgh.”

Pirates make the trip to face the Monarchs tomorrow (7.30pm).