(SPEEDWAY 1)

POOLE star Darcy Ward was named FIM Rookie of the Year at a gala award ceremony in Portugal.Ward received his award having retained his World Under-21 Championship title - only the second rider ever to win the competition twice.In a double celebration for speedway, World Champion Tomasz Gollob won the Personality of the Year award, with the duo beating off strong competition from several motorcycle disciplines.Ward said: "That was cool. I didn't think I would get the award, let alone Tomasz. It was pretty cool for both of us to get it."This should elevate me in some ways, but it was good just to come here and see Jorge Lorenzo, David Knight (MAXXIS FIM E3 Enduro world champion), and Toni Cairoli (FIM MX1 Motocross world champion). It was a good experience."

(SPEEDWAY 2)

NEWCASTLE have named two new reserves for next season after completing the signings of Kyle Newman and Richie Worrall.Newman, who is currently in Australia, gained extensive Premier League experience with Birmingham this year, whilst Worrall has previously raced at National League level.Co-promoter Darryl Illingworth said: "We've seen Kyle at Byker this year in our many matches against Birmingham and he did pretty well, twice scoring paid seven from the reserve berth, and I'm sure he will also pile up the points for us."Richie Worrall is a name many fans may take a second take on as they may not have come across him before, but he is the twin brother of Steve Worrall who has been involved heavily racing at Scunthorpe at both National and Premier League levels whilst Richie has also been on Humberside as well as Buxton."