NEWPORT Everest Group Wasps toppled the 2003 Premier League champions Edinburgh on the opening day of their Premier League season and are now looking to nobble Newcastle who were top of the tree in 2001.

Wasps not only beat Edinburgh - they demolished them (62-31). And Carl Wilkinson, back in Wasps' colours again, is looking for them to hand out a few more walloping wins on the Hayley Stadium track.

He said: "We have got to try and keep it going and hopefully the start I have made will convince a few of the doubters. I seem to be doing my bit - although bad meetings are bound to come along but we've not had one yet.

"We can't afford to lose any home matches, you want to win every one. And the more we can win by a big margin the more bonus points we stand a chance of gaining and that's what lifts you up the table.

"Hopefully we can get a top eight finish and get into the play-offs and then you really have to knuckle down and every point is vital.

"We started off the season a little shaky, a couple of riders would be scoring well and a couple not so well but now everyone has got to grips with their machines and is scoring well.

When we're riding we know what each rider is doing and the line they are taking. Everyone is looking confident. We are getting better and better."

The aggressive Wilkinson, 25 next month, is also riding at reserve for Ipswich in the Elite League and that is undoubtedly helping his Premier League career.

He scored a paid nine points for the Witches in Monday night's 50-40 home win over Poole, his third meeting in as many days and it including success in the reserve heat and he added: "They are well pleased with me and I've definitely started off on the right foot."

And he was so close to gaining a place in the final of the British Championship which is being held at Belle Vue on June 11.

Wilkinson, called in as a reserve, scored eight points in the qualifying meeting at Rye House on Saturday - just one point from gaining a place, finishing last in the final race of the event.

But all is not lost and Wilkinson may still go to the ball. Wilkinson said: "I went out and beat several well established riders and to lose out by a point is gut-wrenching. But I think I may get the first reserve spot - but a lot of things can happen between now and mid-June."