Newport looking in good shape

The Forton Road men shocked league leaders Ampthill with a 16-14 victory two weeks ago, then beat local rivals Shrewsbury 26-0 in the Shropshire Cup last weekend.

And with key players returning to the fold their squad is also looking more healthy than at any other point in the current campaign.

That is music to the ears of their hard-working coach, who wants to make it three wins in a row against bottom club Bedford - who have lost all 11 of their league games so far.

"This week, for the first time all season, we've actually had to have a selection debate," said Bletcher.

"We've had to select people rather than the team picking itself because of injuries and unavailability, and that's a massive bonus.

"Nobody wants to be the first team to lose to Bedford so we're aware there's pressure, though we're in a stronger position than we have been all season.

"We have to maintain the high standards we have set in the last two games and we won't be taking Bedford lightly.

"When we went there last season we were riding high in the league and we still lost."

Influential prop Morgan Sikanen is struggling with a knee injury picked up against Shrewsbury.

And Bletcher admitted: "If he doesn't make it then we are struggling to field a front row. It always seems to be out of the frying pan and into the fire with us!"

Luctonians' eagerly awaited local derby away at Hereford is in doubt due to the weather conditions at the city club's Wyeside ground.

The heavy rain has waterlogged the pitch and there will be an inspection tomorrow.

If the match goes ahead the Luctonians will have a full squad available. It will be the first meeting between the Herefordshire clubs for the last 10 years and is expected to attract a large crowd.

"Hereford are very strong at home but it could depend on the conditions at Wyeside," said Lucs spokesman Robin East.

"Wyeside is not an easy place to go and expect to come away with a win but we will be going there to get the points."

Standing by for recalls to the Luctonians starting line-up are Rob Yeomans, Paul Hulland, Nick Byron and brothers Chris and Steve Jaques.

Hereford lost to Longton 8-0 in their last game while the Luctonians beat Bromsgrove 32-10.

"The defeat at Longton was a bitter pill to swallow so we will want to get back on the winning track against the Luctonians," said Hereford skipper Matt Pritchard.