Arguably they should have won all three matches and collected 12 points instead of only three. Lady luck has certainly deserted the Black & Amber’s both on the field and off with player availability and injuries but anyone who has watched Newport for some time will know that they can turn things around and win when least expected.
The Newport camp will be desperate for a win at Bridge Field on Saturday and in fact they have already won there this season when they defeated Bedwas 41-25 in British & Irish Cup regional qualifier. This was certainly a game of two halves when they were outplayed in the first half but still managed to turn around only 20-13 down when it could have been so much more.
Then a different Newport team came out in the second half and there was only one team in it as they cantered to an impressive win.
To add to the club’s woes No 10 Matt O’Brien who went off with a shoulder injury against Ebbw Vale last Saturday is now out for 2 -3 months. He follows No 10 Codey Rees and back-row Brendan Lampitt with long term shoulder injuries who are just a few on Newport’s injury list.
There is some good news on the horizon with centre Nathan Edwards back from injury and prop Alex Jeffries and club captain Ollie Griffiths released from Cup duties with Cross Keys. Wales Sevens star Luke Morgan is also expected to make a debut appearance. Young Julian Mogg gets his first start of the season at No 10.
Newport: G O’Driscoll, J Morris, D Robinson, J Murphy, E Frewen, J Mogg, O Davies, J Greenfield, D Rogers, A Jeffries, Adam Brown, A Frampton, R Jenkins, O Griffiths (capt), S Feehan,
Replacements: E Whitson, L Jenkins, J Monck. S Cross, S Waldron, A Quick, N Edwards, Luke Morgan
