County's big two in cup action

Shropshire's big guns Newport and Whitchurch lead the county trophy charge this weekend as they head on the road in search of EDF Energy Intermediate Cup glory. Newport head south to East Anglia looking to spring an upset against higher-ranked outfit Peterborough.

Shropshire's big guns Newport and Whitchurch lead the county trophy charge this weekend as they head on the road in search of EDF Energy Intermediate Cup glory. Newport head south to East Anglia looking to spring an upset against higher-ranked outfit Peterborough.The Fishes are riding high in Midlands 2 West, but know they will be underdogs against a Peterborough side who were promoted to Midlands 1 last year via the play-offs.

"This is a very tough fixture," said spokesman Chris Bristow. "Peterborough were promoted last season after beating Kenilworth in the end of season play off and are doing well in Midlands 1."

Newport are definitely without unavailable skipper Steve Dolphin and also Chris Gibbons, who has gone abroad to work.

A coach leaves the clubhouse at Forton Road at 9.30am and supporters are welcome to travel on it.

Whitchurch had won five straight games in league and cup before last weekend's North 2 West draw with Wilmslow.

So they will be looking to find the winning habit again when they travel to Newbold.

Newbold had started the season badly in Midlands 2, but have surged up the table in recent weeks, with a number of eye-catching results which included victory over previously unbeaten league leaders Burton.

"They've come right up the table and it looks like it will be a tough match," said Reds' president John Gregory.

"It will be a good test between the two leagues, which are supposed to be on a par, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

The Edgeley Park men have been forced to make several changes this week, due to unavailability.

Kevin Barber moves from hook to loose head prop in place of Ben Winson, with Kirk Ebben stepping in at hooker.

Dave Baxter keeps his place on the wing, deputising for Paul Appleby, while Danny Matthews slots in at scrum half for Chris Hares. Mark Williams plays at full-back in place of John Canney.

Luctonians will go in to their EDF National Trophy match against Reading with a little more confidence after last weeks emphatic win over Longton.

The Lucs have now won three out of four games since Simon Green-Price took over as first team coach a month ago.

"There was a lot more confidence and enthusiasm in the side that played against Longton," said Lucs spokesman Robin East.

"The league is more important to us that the trophy but we would like to progress further as is can be a good money-spinner for the club."

By Chris Hudson