Starke had to step in after fellow reserve Darryl Ritchings was forced to withdraw from the meeting following a nasty crash in heat two.

The experienced reserve won the re-run to ensure the points were shared – before going on to collect 9+2 from his seven rides.

Starke was pleased with his night’s work – although did say it was a hot day to end up doing seven heats.

“It was a good result for the team,” he told the Daily Echo.

(Image: Richard Crease) “Couldn't have picked a better night to have seven rides, to be honest, in this weather!

“So, it was all right, it was good, I'm happy, the team's happy, we've got the win, so yeah, all good.”

Reflecting on his performance, Starke was pleased, although he felt he could have earned more points.

There were a couple of occasions where he made strong starts but lost positions, including one where he picked up a puncture and slid out from a points scoring position.

“I'm happy, we've got the job done,” he said.

“A few issues with the first bike, but the second bike was okay.

(Image: Richard Crease) “I actually think I probably threw quite a few points away, to be honest, because I made some starts and a few mistakes, but, yeah, we got there and I'm happy.

“So, the team's got the win, let's move forward and get some more.”

Starke was brought into the team to provide some good experience at reserve, and has gradually improved across the season as he, like much of the team, had a slightly inconsistent start to the campaign.

“We're getting there,” Starke said.

“I've just getting some engines sorted and getting the set up and just getting on the bike myself as well, because it just doesn't seem to be enough meetings for me.

“I'm getting into it slowly and hopefully we'll progress more and more.”

(Image: Richard Crease) Up next for the Pirates is the visit of Glasgow Tigers, who will arrive at Wimborne Road seeking revenge after Poole beat them 43-47 at Ashfield Stadium.

It is an ‘important’ meeting for the team, and looking ahead to the visit of the Tigers, Starke said: “It was a good result to go there and beat them.

“I think that they’re the team that we want to beat predominantly, so it's going to be a tough one when they come here.

“We've got a two week break now, it would be nice if we didn't have a break to be honest so we could be sharp on the bike, but we look forward to it.

“It should be a great meeting and we'll give it a go as always.”