PIRATES MAKE THEIR CHOICE

CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Poole have chosen to face the winners of the Leicester/Scunthorpe tie in the play-offs semi-finals.Delays at the quarter-final stage mean the last four line-up will not be finalised until Tuesday, but the Pirates have pushed ahead with their choice as they will stage their home leg of the semi on Wednesday.

Co-promoter Danny Ford said: “I am sure many will think we are brave in going for the winners of this one, but to be honest whichever side we chose it is going to need two good performances to make it into the Final.

“With Leicester looking strong favourites we spoke with our lads who have been patiently waiting for the quarter-finals to be resolved, and the general consensus is that if Leicester made it through then we would go for them as, on aggregate, we have a very good record this season against them and we will be looking to draw on some of the experience we picked up during the Cup semi-final.

“But even if Scunthorpe were to pull off an amazing recovery, and we had to meet them, there can be absolutely no doubt that we need to be on our best game on Wednesday.”

Poole’s selection means the other semi-final will see Glasgow face the winners of the Edinburgh/Redcar tie.