Newport Wasps skipper Craig Watson, pictured, will not be riding at Sheffield tomorrow night in a Premier League fixture, because he is on his way to one of the biggest meetings of his career.

Watson is off to Scandinavia for the final world championship qualifying meeting, the top two gaining a place on next summer's Grand Prix circuit.

To lose the in-form Watson is a big blow to the Wasps who, having finally got off the foot of the table, now look to climb.

Newport boss Tim Stone is expected to name Watson's replacement today.

Sheffield's Owlerton Stadium had almost become a second home for Watson who has successfully guested a number of times for them this season.

Stone added: "Craig has had quite a few bookings for Sheffield and knows his way around the track. He will have a point to prove at the Premier League riders championship next month."

Watson, disappointed that he didn't make the Australian World Cup team, leaves by road for Denmark tomorrow, ready for practice at the Vojens track, preparing for the real thing on Saturday.

He said: "I would desperately like to qualify for the Grand Prix - it is something every rider wants to be part of. It is extremely hard to qualify but I'm having one of the best seasons of my career so I'll be giving it my best shot.

"I would have loved to have ridden in the Aussie team. On current form, in the league, world championship qualifiers and open meetings, I thought I would have been ahead of Craig Boyce.

"I was extremely disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity. I felt I was on good enough form."

Watson's task is approaching mammoth proportion, the field including Eastbourne's David Norris and former Newport rider Niels Kristian Iversen, one of four Danes in the 16-strong field, the other three being Hans Andersen, Kenneth Bjerre and Ronni Pedersen.

l GMB Mavericks meeting at Stoke Spitfires tonight in the Conference League, has been postponed because of a waterlogged track.

l Wasps have a double header at the Hayley Stadium on Sunday with Berwick the visitors in the Premier League followed by Swindon in the Conference League. Children will be admitted for a "quid" if they are accompanied by an adult.