NEWPORT Wasps promoter Tim Stone was already looking to next season within minutes of bringing the curtain down on a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign with a record win.

The 64-26 was the highest success since Newport reformed - but they couldn't avoid the wooden spoon - and Australian Scott Smith clocked his first paid maximum.

Stone announced the signing of reserve Carl Wilkinson, the Lincolnshire-based rider, to strengthen a department which has consistently been rather thin on occasions. Stone said: "We have looked at a lot of youngsters throughout the season and Carl had no hesitation in coming to Newport when the offer was made.

"He is a team man, enthusiastic rider and is a trier - and he scores points. "He will be a fully contracted Newport rider - our asset." And he proved the point in heat 12. There was a tremendous scrap between Glenn Cunningham and Richard Wolff for first place and Wilkinson then came through to pip an astonished Wolff.

And in heat seven he also came from behind to finish third and at the end he was pushing Phillips for second place.

Stone obviously rates the youngster quite highly and, judging by their reaction, so too do the fans.

Stone added: "The season has now gone and we have already started to build for 2002." Wilkinson scored five points plus two bonus as Wasps saved their best for last to collect their first bonus point - an indication of just how poor they have been on their travels, failing to win a meeting either in the Premier Trophy or league.

Wasps collected eight maximum heat wins, including five of the last seven. Poor Trelawny, using rider replacement for Pavel Ondrasik and bringing in Richie Hawkins from Swindon for injured Chris Harris, won one of the 15 heats -skipper Graeme Gordon in the second of a rain-threatened meeting.

Wasps took precautions to protect the track from overnight rain and it was a good move, staying fine for the meeting which was delayed for 25 minutes waiting for the ambulance. And it wasn't long after the conclusion of a reasonably well attended meeting, considering the weather, that more rain fell.

Newport adjusted much better to the heavy conditions and gated well. Skipper Steve Masters (pictured) picked up a maximum and there were paid maximums for Anders Henriksson, Glenn Cunningham as well as Smith.

Although there was a mammoth gap between the two teams at the end there was still exciting racing.

Masters achieved an astonishing win in heat 11 which was rerun following a fall by Rob Finlow, Masters coming from the back to first place.

In heat two the riders set the scene to provide high-level thrills and plenty of heat wins - something all too often lacking this season.

In heat two - Trelawny's only success - and Wilkinson again justified the faith Stone has placed in him. Gordon was way out in front and at times it was remarkable that Simon Phillips along with Newport's pairing of Finlow and Wilkinson remained on their machines with Wilkinson filling third spot.

lNewport stage a challenge match next Sunday between a Great Britain team and Australian riders while th e last two Sund ays of the month will be filled by Conference fixtures.

The clash promises to be one of the best of the season with Wasps favourite Phil Morris lining up in the GB squad.

The ever-popular Morris, who lives in Cwmfelinfach, is a regular visitor to the track, and will be joined by Neath and Hawkins who guested for Trelawny.

And Oliver Allen from Swindon is also likely to be in the GB line-up. The Aussie squad will include Poole's Craig Watson, Lee Herne from Arena Essex, Rusty Harrison of Workington along with Newport's Scott Smith and Woodifield of Trelawny.

Stone said: "It promises to be quite an exciting and entertaining meeting, and I'm particularly looking forward to the clashes between Morris and Watson."