POOLE Pirates have been handed a major injury blow ahead of tomorrow’s Bank Holiday SGB Premiership double-header with Swindon Robins. 

Pirates' Australian number one Brady Kurtz is still feeling the effects from a crash while racing for Vetlanda at the start of this month - and will consequently miss both meetings. 

Pirates co-promoter Danny Ford has confirmed Richard Lawson will step in for Kurtz at Wimborne Road for tomorrow’s midday meeting, while rider replacement will be operated at the Abbey Stadium in the evening (7.30pm).

The news has undoubtedly boosted Alun Rossiter’s side’s hopes of recording a second victory in Dorset this week.

Rossiter has the luxury of naming a full-strength team – with Tobiasz Musielak returning after dislocating his shoulder while Ellis Perks makes his debut at reserve.

Pirates co-promoter Danny Ford told the Poole website: “Obviously it’s far from ideal being without Brady as he’s been in such incredible form this season so far.

“But the important thing is he rests up and gets back to full fitness.

“Richard Lawson is stepping in, which we are extremely grateful for, but we’ll have to use rider replacement for Brady at Swindon in the evening as every club apart from Ipswich is racing.

“Swindon are potent opposition at any time but going into two meetings against them without our most in-form rider makes it even tougher, so we really need the supporters behind us.

“I know if they bring the noise then that can help us get revenge for that defeat on Good Friday.”