TOP Premier League riders Craig Watson and George Stancl come to Newcastle’s aid this weekend for the double header with title contenders Rye House Rockets. Former Newcastle rider Stancl (Edinburgh) returns to the Diamonds’ Byker track tomorrow, while Glasgow’s Watson rides in place of sidelined skipper Christian Henry at Rye House tonight. Australian Watson started the season with Elite League club Poole and joined Glasgow a few weeks ago, replacing Stancl, who switched to the Tigers’ Scottish rivals. Stancl (below) scored maximum points for the Diamonds in July in a guest appearance. Henry, who damaged his left knee in a crash at Redcar on Thursday, was still in considerable pain last night, but was relieved to learn his season is not necessarily over. Team boss George English said: “Christian can continue to ride providing he wears a brace on his knee, and he is thinking things over for a few days. “There was no chance of him riding against Rye House this weekend and we’ll see what he says next week in the run-up to our home match against Somerset.” The Rockets have been a force to be reckoned with for many years now and are once again in the frame for a play-off place. Making his Byker debut for Rye House tomorrow is one of the sport’s hottest properties, 17-year-old Tai Woffinden, who has had an incredible start to his career in this country. The son of former Middlesbrough rider Rob Woffinden, Tai was born in Scunthorpe but has spent most of his life in Australia as the family emigrated when he was two. Riding mainly for Scunthorpe in the Conference League, Woffinden was expected to make a few Premier League reserve appearances for Rye House as well, but is currently top of the Rockets’ averages and beating just about everyone in the higher sphere. English added: “If all our riders are in top form tomorrow, I believe we can put a dent in the Rockets’ title hopes.” Tomorrow’s meeting starts at 6.30pm. | 
