EDWARD Kennett admitted he had come close to taking a break from speedway after being left “upset” by his Rye House exit.

The former Lakeside racer was axed at the end of last month as part of a double change which saw Poole asset Ellis Perks also depart.

Twice a British under-21 champion, Kennett was stunned by the Rockets’ decision and considered a stint away before Pirates chief Matt Ford came calling.

The 30-year-old had spent two previous spells at Wimborne Road and tonight made his first appearance since joining for the third time – against Somerset.

Reflecting on his Rye House exit, Kennett told the Daily Echo: “I was disappointed and upset.

"I’ve tried to help them as much as I can over the past few years and to get that thrown at me was a bit of shock.

“I knew I was struggling away from home but I felt they could maybe have given me a chance with a different riding number so I could get my confidence back.

“But they had to do what they had to do and, unfortunately, I had to go.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to carry on doing speedway, if I’m honest. It wasn’t so much that I was going to pack it in, I was just going to take a bit of a break from it.”

However, replacing Krzysztof Kasprzak at Poole has given Kennett a fresh start.

“You have to move on and look at the bigger picture,” he said.

“I had two other offers but they were quite far away travelling-wise.

"I wanted to keep the travelling down and not be in a situation where I was doing seven or eight hours for a home meeting.

"I’m just hoping I can move forward and do my best for Poole now.”

Meanwhile, Pirates skipper Hans Andersen scored six paid seven as Lejonen saw off strugglers Indianerna in the Swedish top flight on Tuesday.

Andersen’s haul helped the Lions prevail 49-41 on home shale.

Timo Lahti managed just one point from three rides in Rospiggarna’s 45-45 draw with visitors Masarna.