Taylor Poole stars but Stoke Potters lose at Scunthorpe

Taylor Poole is one of five new riders in the Stoke Potters line-up for 2010

Teenage Stoke Potters reserve Taylor Poole produced a stunning display with an 18-point haul in his side's first Premier Trophy outing of the season.

But he ended up on the losing side as Stoke went down 49-44 at Scunthorpe.

The Potters suffered a setback before the meeting had started when Hynek Stichauer was taken ill and had to be replaced by youngster Gary Irving.

But Malcolm Vasey's men pick up a point for their efforts against his old club as they lost by less than six points.

"Taylor Poole was absolutely sensational," said Vasey, manager. "And Klaus Jakobsen was also in good form.

"We've got off the mark and I'm really delighted to get something from my old club," added the Stoke manager, who left his role at Scunthorpe to join the Potters over the winter.

"Many people wrote us off after our opening two meetings, but this proves what we can do as a team."

The Potters ride again at Loomer Road on Saturday when they take on the Redcar Bears.