Fishes lose the edge

Newport's promotion hopes appear all but over after they suffered a demoralising fifth defeat in six games.

The Forton Road men stumbled to a 23-20 home defeat at the hands of lowly Kettering to leave them five points adrift of Luctonians in the play-off position, albeit with a game in hand.

And, while director of rugby Ray Price is refusing to throw in the towel completely, he concedes the dip in form has come at the worst possible time.

"We have just lost our killer streak and some of the defeats have been very hard to swallow," said Price.

"Everyone is starting to beat everyone in the league so there is still an outside chance of getting into that second position, but we would certainly have to win our last four games to have a chance."

Despite playing up the slope against a high wind in the first half Newport produced a impressive display in the opening period, even though they fell behind to an early penalty.

A pushover try from Michael Woodhouse put Newport ahead and, with elements in their favour during the second period, a home victory appeared likely.

But the script wasn't played out that way and Kettering went ahead with a try of their own two minutes after the re-start.

A Jamie Simpson penalty made the scores 8-8, before Toby Mann scored out wide for the hosts.

But Kettering wouldn't go down without a fight and a penalty and try put them 16-13 to the good.

A Tomasi Tanumi try, converted by James Curgenven, once again gave Newport the lead.

A harsh yellow card for prop Morgan Silkanen, however, set up a nervous conclusion for Newport and a converted Kettering try 14 minutes from time condemned the Fishes to a first home defeat of the season.

Luctonians completed a league double over Hinckley with a 12-7 victory to move back into second place a point behind leaders Broad Street.

It was their 13th win of the season and give them a one point advantage over third place Kenilworth with three games remaining.

Winger Peter Smith and hooker Nick Byron scored the Luctonians tries in the second half with Chris James kicking one conversion.

Five minutes from time Hinckley scored a consolation try to keep the visitors on guard until the final whistle.

By James Garrison