TEAM boss Gary Havelock hailed the solid display from Pirates at Redcar on Friday – even if it did leave him a little hoarse!

Taking the reins from Neil Middleditch for northern fixtures this season, the former world champion masterminded his side to a 50-40 victory over the Bears at Ecco Arena.

Poole provided 10 of the 15 race winners, with Redcar restricted to just two heat advantages throughout the meeting.

Reserve Drew Kemp took top billing for the visitors with 10+2 from six rides, while Richard Lawson won his first three rides to finish on 10+1, a total matched by Danny King. Charles Wright scored 13 for the Bears.

Havelock said: “It is an absolute honour to manage this Poole side that has such a strong heat-leader trio. They did everything you could expect of them, and the team rode really well as a unit.

“I have lost my voice by shouting them on from the pits, what more can I say about them? A great performance and super result.”