RAISED a stone’s throw from Poole Stadium, Kyle Newman was understandably “over the moon” with Pirates’ title triumph.

Such was his impact in his first full season in the Elite League, it was almost an insult to describe the 22-year-old as a reserve.

And while many of those around him were dropping like flies – either injured, suspended or otherwise engaged – Newman remained one of the few constants.

Pirates’ second-highest scorer both home and away, Newman racked up 288 points from 157 rides in 32 meetings, taking the chequered flag 53 times, claiming the runners-up spot on 47 occasions and finishing third 35 times. He ran only 14 last places and failed to finish eight.

Newman told the Daily Echo: “I was born in Poole Hospital and the first house I lived in was on Wimborne Road. I was brought here as a baby and am as Poole through and through as you can get.

“I was in the crowd when Poole won the title in 2003 with Tony Rickardsson and Leigh Adams. I always dreamed of being part of something like that so it was unreal to play such a big part.

“It has been an awesome year for the club and it was a fantastic end. It was tough but we pulled through. To win the title in front of my home crowd was memorable and gave me such a buzz.

“In general, it has been a tough year for Poole Speedway but we showed what Poole as a club is like. We dug deep when we needed to and Matt and Middlo picked some fantastic guests and we did it.

“We proved wrong all the doubters and shut up all the haters. Unfortunately, being a winning club, everybody likes to knock you. That is what happens with Poole and you learn to expect it. We won the title and that is all that matters. Happy days!”

Newman, who now resides in Puddletown, is no stranger to success having been involved in title triumphs at all three levels of the sport.

He won the Conference League with Weymouth in 2008 before helping Bournemouth Buccaneers take the newly- named National League the following season.

And he also helped Somerset to a Premier League and Knockout Cup double last season after previously being part of the Newcastle team that won the Premier League Shield in 2011.

Schooled at Lockyer’s Middle and Corfe Hills, Newman, a leading contender for the prestigious rider-of-the-year award, added: “I genuinely felt confident I could have a great season. I have had great sponsors on board and can’t thank them enough. I knew I just had to work hard, get a few things sorted and let it take off – and it did.

“I guested in the second leg of the grand final against Birmingham last season but this year has been very different because I was involved from start to finish. I am not going to lie, I was nervous. But once I was calm, I went out and did it on the track and that is what I am here to do.”

Discussing his plans for the winter, Newman said: “The work starts now for 2015. I will have a little break at some point but won’t rest on my laurels. I have had a good year but there is always room for improvement.

“I am going to Australia for the seventh year in a row. I have a couple of individual meetings planned and will be working hard on engines and set-ups and doing a bit of fitness work as well. I am sure Matt and Middlo will pick another great team for next season and we will be up there challenging again.”