KYLE Newman returned to racing following a month on the sidelines before giving his solid outing against Coventry the thumbs up.

The Pirates reserve has not raced at all since breaking his collarbone in a high-speed crash at Peterborough.

However, the Poole-born charger came through a practice session at the East of England Showground and declared himself fit to feature against the Bees.

And Newman delivered a respectable haul of six paid eight in Pirates’ comprehensive victory over the Elite League strugglers.

Reflecting on his display, Newman told the Daily Echo: “The team did well and for me personally it was a good night.

“I’m just happy to be back on the bike. It was a nice, steady meeting and that was all I wanted. It was nothing spectacular but I did what I needed to

“I made a couple of good starts which I haven’t done all year so all in all, once I get my fitness and race sharpness back, I think I can really push forward.

“The meeting helped me build some confidence and now I just have to keep improving.”

Asked if he had experienced any discomfort in his shoulder during the meeting, Newman said: “I felt it during my third ride when it was a bit patchy and grippy.

“I felt it pull a couple of times but that was nothing I wasn’t expecting.

“It aches a little bit but it is going to for a week or two yet. There is a lot of muscle rebuilding to do.

“I was expecting it to ache so I am not disappointed by it. It is what it is. I’m happy I came through the meeting safely and I’m looking forward to building from here.”

The 56-36 triumph allowed Poole to bounce back from their narrow defeat at Brandon on Friday.

Newman added: “It was a good meeting for everybody and we always love a win over Coventry!

“We were frustrated not to come away with a victory last week but we redeemed ourselves tonight and, hopefully, the result can be the kick-start we need to get into the play-offs.”