Poole Pirates duo Davey Watt and Darcy Ward return

Poole Pirates manager Neil Middleditch warns that his side are a force to be reckoned with now that Darcy Ward and Dave Watt have returned from injury.

Pirates have a full-strength squad now that Ward, 18, has recovered from a broken wrist and shoulder while Watt, 33, is over his ankle injury.

Middleditch told BBC Radio Solent: "Now we're back to full strength you can see what the Pirates are about.

"I'm very pleased to get them back so we can see what we're made of."

Pirates recalled Jason Doyle to replace Ward, while Dennis Andersson has been relied upon to fill the void left by skipper Watt.

And Middleditch says that he is pleased with how the pair have coped with the responsibility.

"Jason has matured over the winter," he said. "He is riding particularly well and is confident this season.

"Dennis has been a tremendous find and, now Darcy has come back from his injury with flying colours, we're looking at good things to come."

Poole, who lost 57-39 to Eastbourne Eagles on Saturday, now entertain Swindon Robins in Wednesday's first home match of the Elite League season.