Newport put dream on hold

Newport's head coach Ian Bletcher has demanded that his team put dreams of Twickenham to the back of their minds, insisting: "We will be judged on our league position, nothing else."

The Fishes face Sheffield Tigers in the quarter-finals of the EDF Intermediate Cup next month, but Bletcher is determined to keep his players focussed on their Midlands One assault.

Newport head to second-placed Broadstreet on Saturday in desperate need of a win to keep in touch with league leaders Luctonians.

"So far we have done well to maintain everybody's focus on the league – and that is the way that is has to stay," said Bletcher.

"Part and parcel of success is that minds will wander – but at the end of the season we will be judged on our league position.

"To be fair though, the lads seem to be enjoying their rugby so hopefully we'll have no problems."

Newport's injury woes have eased in the last fortnight. Skipper Craig Ingram is doubtful tomorrow having sustained ankle ligament damage in last weekend's 14-6 win against Malvern, but others have been given the nod.

Toby Mann, excellent at the start of the season, is back from injury but must fight to regain his place at scrum half.

It may not be the worst time for Newport to be making the trek to The Ivor Preece Centre after Broadstreet slipped to a 24-16 defeat at Peterborough last Saturday to end a sequence of six straight league wins.

Street, who have only lost once at home this season, held Newport to a 27-27 draw at Forton Road back in October. Bletcher is anticipating another tough battle.

He added: "They are a good side who have hit some form. They are a physical side but we will try to keep moving the ball around and go for the win."

Luctonians go in search of a league double as Peterborough visit Mortimer Park.

The North Herefordshire club beat Peterborough 20-12 earlier in the season but will have to be on their guard against the Northamptonshire side, who include three Lithuanians in their squad.

Nick Byron is a concern with a knee problem, but skipper Chris Jaques is back after a bout of flu.

By SEAN WOZENCROFT