Newport gunning for top marks in early test

Both sides have won their opening two games of the Midlands Premier campaign with Luctonians claiming pole position on points difference having scored 137 points during comprehensive victories over Syston and Lichfield.

Newport, who have beaten Lichfield and Doncaster, are keen to build on last season’s impressive showing but are aware tomorrow’s showdown represents a major challenge.

“The biggest game of the season just happens to be arriving early,” said Newport first team manager Phil Gittus. “Luctonians have spent the last eight seasons at National 2 level and are a class outfit.

“They have won their first two games convincingly, but we aim to give them a much sterner test this weekend.

“This game will really give us a true indication of where we are as a squad.”

Newport are boosted by the return of Toby Mann and Henry Purchase and are hopeful star man Henry Vaka will have recovered from illness that kept him out of the starting line-up against Lichfield last week.

Bridgnorth will be looking to bag their second win of the season when they travel to a Syston team who are sitting bottom but one of the standings following two defeats.

In Midlands 1 West, Whitchurch are at home to Hereford.

After starting their season with a derby win at Telford Hornets, Ludlow will be chasing a second straight win when they host Veseyans in Midlands 2 West (North).

Hornets are on their travels to Staffordshire outfit Newcastle.

Shrewsbury are another side who made a flying start to the season, beating Eccleshall 55-6, and they hit the road to Edwardians in Midlands 3 West (North).

Cleobury Mortimer face a tough test at home to Uttoxeter.

In Midlands 4 West (North), Market Drayton travel to Essington while the Division 5 West (North) action sees Chruch Stretton host Warley while Bishops Castle head to Chaddesley.