BOSS Jim Lynch was magnanimous in defeat after watching Leicester slip from contention in the second half of a 56-34 loss at Poole.
The Watling JCB Lions initially matched their play-off chasing hosts blow for blow and were level at 21-21 after seven heats at Wimborne Road.
However, a pair of home 5-1s gave Pirates the foothold they needed and they did not look back as early work from Brady Kurtz, Jack Holder and Timo Lahti was backed up later on.
There was some good racing for the Leicester faithful to enjoy as Lasse Bjerre harrassed countryman Hans Andersen before blasting away in heat seven and then got the better of the previously-unbeaten partnership of Kurtz and Holder in the 11th.
Top scorer Danny King had a mixed night but saved the best for last by blotting Lahti’s otherwise-perfect copybook with a gutsy blast around the outside to bag second in an academic final race.
Lynch was still upbeat over what he had seen but conceded his charges could not match a Poole side that looked back on song.
“It was the first time I had seen Timo for a long time. He was very good and Poole were particularly strong,” said Lynch.
“The track was super slick which suited riders like Timo and we struggled to get to grips with it. We were right in it until heat seven but once they got dialled in it was very difficult.
“In the end, we were well beaten by a side that looked like the Poole of old but I could have no complaints about the effort shown by the lads.”
Meanwhile, Lynch offered some mitigation for recently-injured number one Kim Nilsson’s two-paid-three return.
“Kim was not on it,” admitted Lynch.
“The trouble when you come back from an injury that keeps you out for a while is that you think you’re dialled in but there is nothing like race fitness. He doesn't quite have that yet but it will come."
Lions hit the road again on Friday with a trip to Belle Vue before hosting Somerset Rebels at Beaumont Park on Saturday (both 7.30).
POOLE 56: Timo Lahti 13, Brady Kurtz 12+2, Jack Holder 9+2, Hans Andersen 9, Edward Kennett 6+1, Paul Starke 4+2, James Shanes 3+1.
LEICESTER 34: Danny King 10+1, Lasse Bjerre 8+1, Erik Riss 5, Kyle Newman 5, Josh Bates 4+1, Kim Nilsson 2+1, Pawel Przedpelski R/R.
Picture: DAVE FAIRBROTHER
