The Wasps suffered another disappointing night in Hertfordshire as an injury-hit Rockets side inflicted a painful 60-30 defeat in which only Marek Mroz emerged with any real credit.

True, the Wasps had little luck all night, with team manager Neil Street having cause to question two key decisions that went against his side.

Tai Woffinden's front wheel looked to have crossed the white line in Heat 5 when he came under Craig Watson, while Rockets' Danny Halsey was given the nod over Nick Simmons when the two crossed the line together in Heat 8.

In the end, though, those were only minor details as it was the visitors' inability to match the fast-gating Rockets that cost them dearly.

Woffinden, fresh from success in the British Under-21 Final, was head and shoulders above anything Newport had to offer.

The 17-year-old completed his third paid maximum of the season by coming from last to first in Heat 15. Already 12 points down by Heat 6 the Wasps introduced Sebastian Truminski for a tactical ride in Heat 7 but he could only trail in third as Ekberg and Mear recorded one of five home maximums.

An accomplished performer on previous visits to Hoddesdon, the night went from bad to worse for Craig Watson when the Australian blew an engine in Heat 13 which saw home skipper Chris Neath push his ailing machine home for a point.

The next race did finally produce a Newport heat advantage, but only after Rob Mear's chances of a seven-ride maximum disappeared when he shredded a tyre in the home straight, gifting Mroz the Wasps' only heat win of the night.

Rye House Chris Neath 12+1 (5 rides) Danny Halsey 4 (5 rides) Tai Woffinden 13+2 (5 rides) Rider replacement Tommy Allen Stefan Ekberg 11+1 (5 rides) Danny Betson 0 (withdrawn after 1 ride) Robert Mear 19+1 (7 rides) Gary Cottham 1 (2 rides) Newport Craig Watson 5 (4 rides) Nick Simmons 1+1 (5 rides) Sebastian Truminski 4 (4 rides) Rider replacement Tony Atkin Paul Clews 7+1 (6 rides) Jerran Hart 4 (5 rides) Marek Mroz 9+1 (6 rides)