FORWARD-thinking Kyle Newman admitted there was still work to do after featuring for Pirates for the first time this season.

The 25-year-old scored four paid five in Poole's 56-33 win over Rye House on Wednesday, having returned from a fractured shoulder blade and muscle damage.

That total would have been greater had Newman not been passed by British top guns Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris, the latter denying him a race win.

And while confessing he would have liked more points to his name, the Poole vice-captain said there had been positive signs on show.

Newman told the Daily Echo: "It was alright. I would have liked to have scored more points but it didn't happen.

"I know I've had plenty of laps round Poole but when you have had a month off, you have to try to get the bike comfortable for you and the track, so it's all a bit fresh.

"Even if I do feel a bit rusty, I'm still going to give it a go and I did that.

"Unfortunately, I didn't quite get a race win but I was there and battling with those guys. I was always trying to scrap and made a couple of good starts. There were positives to take from it and it's only going to get better from here.

"Hopefully, I can pick up some guest bookings and build up my race fitness."

Newman bagged a seven paid nine salvo for Ipswich in their 59-32 win over visitors Scunthorpe in the SGB Championship on Thursday.

Pirates' rising star Jack Holder totalled nine paid 10 for Peterborough in yesterday's 47-43 defeat at Newcastle. His top-tier team-mate James Shanes, who was booked by the hosts to guest at reserve, pitched in with eight points.

In the Polish second tier today, Hans Andersen banked 12 paid 13 in Lodz's 51-39 loss at Pila.