Newport revitalised

Newport took another big step towards safety in National League Three Midlands as they won 21-10 at Kettering for their third victory in their last four outings.

The men from Forton Road racked up three converted tries to take the spoils and move themselves further away from the drop zone.

They had been hit by a virus last week, but all five players who had been struggling recovered in order to play.

And that proved crucial as they got their noses in front and held on to record a vital win.

Michael Woodhouse had gone over for the opening try, James Curgenven kicking the first of three conversions.

The hosts got a try of their own and actually moved ahead with a penalty, but Newport were back in front at the break as Toby Mann went over.

That was it until the closing minutes, when they broke away from defending on their own line, Sam Egerton running the full length of the pitch to score.

"We haven't climbed another position, but we have closed up on Kenilworth and South Leicester and widened the gap from Malvern," said Price.

"We had a little bit of luck, but we still played very well for it.

"It's just a shame we didn't get the extra bonus point. We did get close to another try at the end, but it wouldn't come."

Luctonians took their revenge over Longton in fine style, comprehensively beating their rivals 36-0.

Longton had beaten Luctonians earlier in the campaign but they were routed when the Mortimer Park men ran in five tries without reply.

It was the Luctonians' 12th win of the season and the bonus point lifts them back into fifth place, two points adrift of Luton.

"It was a comprehensive victory having outplayed them throughout the game," said spokesman Robin East.

"Our pack was on top throughout the match."

Paul Hulland scored two of the five tries, with Nick Byron, Alex Smith and Anthony Marfell touching down for the other three.

Four of the tries were converted, with Jamie Simpson and Mike Thompson kicking two each while Simpson added a further three points with a penalty.

Hereford have slipped back down into eighth place in the table after going down 24-14 against high-scoring Luton.

The Wyesiders had beaten Luton earlier in the season but the Bedfordshire club took their revenge.

By CHRIS HUDSON