A tale of two league places

Bridgnorth and Newport are prepared for a hard and passionate derby clash tomorrow - despite the clubs' very contrasting fortunes in Midlands 2 West.

Hosts Bridgnorth are embroiled in a desperate battle against relegation and are currently three points adrift of the safety zone.

But it is a very different story at Newport. They are riding high in third place as they make a bid for a second promotion in three years.

Despite that though, the Fishes will not be taking anything for granted when they run out at the Edgar Davies Ground tomorrow.

"These local games are always hard and there's going to be plenty of passion - both sides are certainly going to be up for it," said spokesman Chris Bristow.

"They've obviously had a tough season so far and we're going to be going all out to make it even tougher.

"We're cautiously confident. We played well against Barkers Butts last week, in the first half especially."

Full-back Marc Millward is working this weekend so Paul Buttery switches over from the wing to plug the gap. Andy Whieldon comes into the side to take the space on the wing.

John Pullar retains his place at hooker after an impressive debut last weekend. Michael Woodhouse and Simon Bell come back into the squad.

Bridgnorth coach Bryan Smallman knows his team has a tough task on their hands, but is banking on them revelling in the role of the underdog.

He is calling on his team to stop showing so much respect to the opposition in this league and to concentrate on their own game instead.

"It's going to be tough because Newport have done exceptionally well," he said.

"But it's a derby and the guys are really looking forward to it.

"We just don't know what will happen on the day and we're just hoping to do what Shrewsbury did to us last year (when the Sundorne Castle men pulled off a shock victory over the then-promotion chasing All Blacks in the division below).

"We're just hoping we get a bit of luck and can take some confidence from the game.

"We want to play a little bit better because we know we haven't played too well this year .

"We were like rabbits in the headlights at the start of the year and we gave teams too much respect. We've really got to get into the game."

Prop Chris Gaten is not available, so John Follett will come into the side to replace him.