Shropshire Star

Newport urged to hit ground running

Director of rugby Bob Adams has called on Newport to come ‘bursting out of the blocks’ at Burton tomorrow.

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Newport head to north Staffordshire aiming for a win which would keep them in contention for promotion from the Midlands Premier.

With three games remaining, the Old Showground outfit sit third in the table, five points behind leaders Scunthorpe and three behind Luctonians, who occupy the play-off position.

Last weekend’s fightback to beat Broadstreet ensured Newport remain just about in the race and Adams, who exchanged harsh words with his players when they trailed at half-time, now wants them to pick up where they left off in the second half.

He said: “The second-half performance against Broadstreet was the best we have played for some time and we now have to carry that on at Burton.

“I want the players to come bursting out of the blocks, just like they did after half-time last weekend.

“One of our biggest issues this season has been starting games slowly.

“Last year it was the exact opposite. We would start games like a train and then take our foot off the gas in the second half.

“Neither is ideal but the current way round is harder, as you are always chasing the game. We always seem to be trying to dig ourselves out of trouble.”

Adams has warned his players it will be no more ‘Mr Nice Guy’ after admitting he has perhaps been too soft on them during a frustratingly inconsistent campaign.

Newport are looking to avoid finishing third for the second season running and Adams said: “If that happened again, it would be tough to take.

“If we can win these last three games and take 15 points I’m quietly confident we would end up in the top two.

“But we have to concentrate on ourselves and take it one game at a time.

“Burton caused us a lot of problems at our place earlier in the season, so we know what kind of challenge to expect. They are a well-drilled unit.

“Generally we prefer the faster grounds so their pitch should suit us. We have to play to our strengths and take the game to them.”

Bridgnorth, still in contention for a top-four finish, will be aiming to get one over on their ‘bogey team’ when they host Sandbach.

The All Blacks were held to a 19-all draw in Cheshire earlier in the season and boss Bryan Smallman explained: “Sandbach are a team who always cause us trouble.

“For whatever reason, we never play well against them. If we have a bogey team, it is them. Their defensive set is very good and we will have to make sure we take care of the ball.”

Bridgnorth could guarantee a top-five finish with a win and Smallman added: “That was our aim at the start of the season. We’ve had a very good year and now we just want to finish as strongly as possible.”