Mystery over Holder illness (From Thisisdorset)

Mystery over Holder illness

7:00am Wednesday 30th July 2008 in

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PIRATES boss Neil Middleditch believes the "engine room" of his team can successfully cover for Chris Holder if he has to sit out tonight's clash against Eastbourne (7.30pm).

Holder pulled out of his open booking at Belle Vue on Monday through illness after he was due to line up in Aces' 80th anniversary celebration meeting.

Sheffield's Ben Wilson stepped in late to wear the skull and crossbones race jacket instead of Holder at Kirky Lane in the individual event.

Now, with the Echo unable to contact Holder yesterday, it is unclear whether the Aussie will be fit to take on Eastbourne at home in the Elite League.

Poole Castle Cover are eligible to use a guest or rider replacement if Holder has to miss the match because he is top of their averages.

If it is rider replacement, Middleditch said: "I would like to think we can cover for Chris okay.

"We've had this situation a number of times this season with injuries and everyone has covered the injured riders' job, and some more.

"If that is the case against Eastbourne, that is what I hope will happen again."

Middleditch has already publicly praised Freddie Eriksson, Adam Skornicki, Magnus Zetterstrom and Daniel Davidsson this month for accepting the extra responsibility placed on them when a heat leader has been missing.

Pirates' team manager said: "They have all come into the team to score a specific amount of points, and they are all scoring over and above that.

"They are the engine room of the team, they really are, and they have done a fabulous job for us, both when we've had a full strength side and when they've been covering for injuries."

Eastbourne, who have lost 51-43 and 52-41 at Wimborne Road in the Craven Shield and league already this season, are in top form after winning 48-45 at Wolves and beating Lakeside 49-44 at home.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, guest or rider replacement, 2 Magnus Zetterstrom, 3 Davey Watt, 4 Adam Skornicki, 5 Bjarne Pedersen, 6 Freddie Eriksson, 7 Daniel Davidsson.

Eastbourne: 1 Scott Nicholls, 2 Lewis Bridger, 3 Lee Richardson, 4 Cameron Woodward, 5 Edward Kennett, 6 Simon Gustafsson, 7 James Brundle.