Newman return 'a good platform' as Poole Pirates off to winning start

Pirates charger Kyle Newman insisted his return to Wimborne Road had been a “good platform to build from” after helping Poole to a 47-43 success over Plymouth in their season opener.

The Poole-born racer was drafted in days before the start of the season as temporary cover for the injured Dan Gilkes.

He impressed on his return to Wimborne Road, scoring six from four rides as the Pirates got their BSN Series group campaign off to a winning start.

Reflecting after the meeting, Newman said: “Obviously it's been some time since I have been on a bike regularly so to be competitive is a good platform to build from.

“I felt pretty good, just lack a bit of race fitness. It's just tensing up a little in the dirt and you probably saw some sort of shapes a bit of everything going on.

“I'll look to move forward."

The Good Friday season opener against the Gladiators involved drama from the outset, when former Pirate Tobias Thomsen suffered a nasty spill on the opening lap of the meeting.

After a lengthy delay and Thomsen receiving medical treatment, Poole did enough to triumph on home shale, with skipper Zach Cook (11) top scoring for the hosts.

Former Poole captain Danny King (13) impressed for the Gladiators, who host Poole in the return leg at the Coliseum this evening (7pm)