NEWPORT Wasps promoter Tim Stone has warned speedway fans to "get there early" as one of their favourite sons returns for 2002 season on Sunday.

Swede Anders Henriksson became a cult hero in his time at Hayley Stadium and his debut for Reading Racers against the Wasps has added a touch of spice to an already eagerly-awaited Challenge Match.

Henriksson will not only face a new-look Wasps team which has only one survivor from the 2001 season in Aussie Scott Smith, but he will also oppose two of his former colleagues from the highly-successful 2000 outfit.

Aussies Craig Watson and Frank Smart have returned to Hayley Stadium from Poole Pirates and Swindon Robins respectively and the pair's presence, plus that of Henriksson, is expected to draw a large crowd to the meeting.

"Sunday's meeting will be a mixture of memories, emotion and extreme excitement," said Stone.

"It will be a cauldron at Hayley Stadium and I would advise fans to arrive early because this is a meeting every speedway fan for miles around would want to witness."

Another attraction in the visitors' line-up is Cwmfellinfach-based skipper Phil Morris, who has often shone while guesting for the Wasps over the years, while another Wasp making a return is former England Test star Ben Howe.

The Crawley-based rider suffered serious hand and arm injuries while riding for the Wasps in September 2000 and Sunday's meeting marks his competitive comeback.

The Wasps' other newcomers are Lee Dicken, who rode for Hull Vikings in the Elite League last term, Young Great Britain international Carl Wilkinson plus Barrie Evans, a rider with enormous potential.

Reading include veteran Dave Mullett, who held the Hayley Stadium track record until it was taken off him by Howe two years ago.

Sydney-born Watson, Wasps' new skipper, says his side are up for the challenge of upgrading Newport's fortunes following a couple of barren years in his absence. "I notice some so-called experts have written us off for honours, but we are a team which should not be underestimated," remarked Newport-based Watson.

"I'm convinced we can do really well this season with the backing of our magnificent fans. We've got nothing to lose, but there's too much talent in this side for us not to do well." Smart has another important date on the weekend as he weds fiance Charlie at Newport's Tredegar House on Saturday.

Newport Wasps: 1 - Craig Watson (capt); 2 - Lee Dicken; 3 - Ben Howe; 4 - Scott Smith; 5 - Frank Smart; 6 - Barrie Evans; 7 - Carl Wilkinson.

Reading Racers: 1 - Dave Mullett; 2 - Jason Bunyan; 3 - Phil Morris (capt); 4 - Paul Clews; 5 - Anders Henriksson; 6 - Chris Schramm; 7 - Brendon Mackay.

Newport's new speedway side-car team takes to the track for the first time when a meeting against a Mobil1 side will follow the Wasps v Reading match.