POPULAR racer Kyle Newman tonight made his return from injury – and took a major step towards a Pirates comeback.

The 25-year-old rode competitively for the first time in more than a month in Ipswich's 50-40 win at Berwick in the SGB Championship.

Newman, who scored six paid seven in a four-ride outing at Shielfield Park, fractured a shoulder blade and sustained muscle damage in the season-opening Darcy Ward Invitational.

There had been fears of a season-long spell on the sidelines but the Poole-born charger did not require surgery and therefore made a comparatively swift return to the saddle.

Wimborne Road chief Matt Ford has openly stated he is aiming to bring Newman back into the Pirates one-to-seven once the Puddletown-based flier has proved his fitness and form.

However, former King's Lynn rider Lewis Kerr has impressed while covering for his fellow Brit.

Meanwhile, Poole's Brady Kurtz picked up eight points in Region Varde's Danish League opener on Friday. Kurtz earned two heat wins in the 43-40 win at Holstebro.

James Shanes managed one point in his first SGB Premiership guest booking. The Poole reserve scored on the last of his three rides as King's Lynn triumphed 46-44 at Somerset.