New man Newman is determined to take his chance

KYLE Newman is relishing the prospect of lining up for Panthers tonight.

The 20 year-old British ace, who rides for Somerset in the Premier League, has been handed a chance in the doubling-up reserve berth for tonight’s Elite League trip to Coventry.

Job-sharer Richard Lawson, who has received the nod for all five previous competitive meetings this season, is unavailable as his Premier League club, Workington, are in action.

But that means opportunity knocks for Newman who hopes to translate some fine recent form - which has seen him advance to the European Under 21 Championship final and World Under 21 Championship semi-finals - to the top-flight stage.

Weymouth-based Newman has also been named in the British Under 21 side for the Worldteam Cup later this month.

He said: “Things have gone pretty well lately and it’s nice to get a chance with Peterborough. I’ll turn up tonight full of confidence and enjoy the experience.

“I’m good mates with Richard but I want to get as many Peterborough meetings as possible so this is my chance to show my worth.

“My form has slowly been getting there and hopefully I can help the team get a decent result.”

Newman’s only previous visit to Coventry started in successful style before being cut short by injury.

He collected a paid heat win in his first ride at Brandon when with Poole last season before a crash in his second outing ruled him out with a knee ligament problem.