GARY Havelock took a swipe at the critics who have written him off after starring in Poole's comfortable victory last night.

The 33-year-old former World champion began the season in superb form but had not done so well in Meridian Lifts Pirates previous two home meetings by his own high standards.

But he hit back with a vengeance last night when he piled up eight paid 10 points against Peterborough as Poole won on the night and on aggregate to secure the bonus point.

Havelock said: "I have been getting some stick on the Internet and from some of the fans.

"At the end of the day, it doesn't bother me. People pay their money to watch and they are entitled to their say.

"I just wish they would come up to me and say it to my face.

"If I don't score points I don't get paid, it is as simple as that. I am a professional speedway rider with a family to keep, so I always try 100 per cent in every race.

"I have been trying hard to get the set up on my bikes right for the Wim-borne Road track but it is difficult because the track is different every week.

"If I knew what the problems were I could put them right.

"But it isn't just about the man in speedway. It is about the man and the machine.

"Both have to be working in harmony to get the best results."

Havelock's heat 10 re-run heroics to pass Bo Brhel and Sam Tesar from the back to win evoked memories of his reversal against the Karlsson brothers of Wolves at Wimborne Road in early April when they pegged the Poole man behind them for a 3-3.

But Havelock stressed last night's race win did not bring back memories of that race.

He said: "Everything happens so fast. You don't get time to think.

"It is just instinct. I have been riding bikes since I was three years old. You make a move inside or outside.

"It is instinct. You do what you can and hope it pays off.

"It did last night. It was great to win that one, my first at Poole for a while."