(SPEEDWAY 1)

WORLD Under-21 champion Darcy Ward has joined Poole from Premier League club King's Lynn.The Pirates fought off the challenge from many of their rivals to secure the Australian ace.Club owner Matt Ford said: "This is a great day for the Pirates faithful. My pledge was to make amends for the poor season we had in 2009 and in Darcy we have a true winner."

(SPEEDWAY 2)

 BIRMINGHAM have signed a third Australian in talented teenager Justin Sedgmen.The Mildura-born rider will spend his second British season at Perry Barrafter a successful and encouraging debut campaign with Somerset.New Brummies owner Gary Patchett said: "I watched Justin's progress closely with Somerset, we sponsored him and made it possible for him to make his debut in British racing and I'm delighted to have him on board at Birmingham."