Wasps celebrate

GUEST Seemond Stephens proved the perfect choice for Newport in their Premier Trophy victory at Exeter last night.

The former County Ground favourite was unbeaten in six rides as the Wasps overcame an early deficit to win an exciting match which went to a last heat decider. It was a fitting occasion for Newport team manager Neil Street to celebrate his 50 years in British speedway.

The evergreen Aussie, who still lives in Exeter, was presented with a silver salver to mark the fact that it was 50 years ago on Sunday he made his British debut at the Devon circuit.

Street needed all his tactical experience as he rang the changes to steer his riders to a win that takes them within one point of Western Group leaders Swindon in the Premier Trophy.

He made three tactical substitutions in addition to operating rider replacement for Scott Smith, who was ruled out after injuring his back at Newport on Sunday. "It was a good overall team effort," said Street.

Newport suffered an early setback when Craig Watson was beaten by Roger Lobb and home skipper Mark Simmonds in the opening race.

Then Carl Wilkinson took a tumble while holding third place from home reserve Matt Cambridge in heat four.

The difference between the sides was at the top end with the Newport heat leaders, Watson, Stephens and Frank Smart, contributing 43 of the side's points. In contrast, Exeter's top three, Simmonds, Michael Coles and Lawrence Hare, managed only 21 points and two heat wins.

Newport might have won even more easily but for the misfortune which struck Watson when he snapped a primary chain while leading heat seven.

Exeter were leading by six points at that stage. It was not until heat 13 that Newport took the lead for the first time, thanks to a 5-1 from Watson and Smart against Simmonds and Coles.

Stephens won heat 14 from Eldridge and Marsh to set up a last heat decider with Newport defending a two-point advantage.

Street placed his confidence in Watson and Smart for the nominated race and they came up trumps with a 5-1 over Hare and Lobb.

Exeter: Mark Simmonds 5 pts plus 2 bonus (4 rides), Roger Lobb 10 (5), Lawrence Hare 10 (5), Bobby Eldridge 4 plus 1 (4), Michael Coles 6 (4), Krister Marsh 5 plus 3 (5), Matt Cambridge 2 plus 1 (3). Newport: Craig Watson 12 plus 1 (6), Lee Dicken 0 (3), Seemond Stephens 18 (6), Scott Smith (rider replacement), Frank Smart 13 plus 2 (6), Barrie Evans 1 (4), Carl Wilkinson 4 (5).

PICTURE: Wasps manager Neil Street (left) was presented with an award for 50 years of service to speedway by Falcons fan Melvyn Goodenough