Warriors test for Newton hopefuls

NEWTON Abbot have fixed up a home friendly against the Westcounty Warriors (2pm) after being caught out by the weather.

The All Whites were due to entertain Brixham tomorrow in the Devon Cup, but that game has been postponed. Brixham have to replay the league game against Sidmouth, which was called off last Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.

Phil Burford, Newton's director of rugby, is not a fan of Saturday afternoons off as he likes to keep the playing momentum going from week to week.

With difficult games against Hartpury College and Cullompton coming up, Burford has extra reason to keep playing. He also wants to have a look at some of the fringe players who could be needed over weeks and months ahead as (hopefully) the promotion race hots up.

"As they are part of Plymouth Albion, the Warriors are quality opposition who are good to play against on a non-league Saturday," said Burford.

"There are precious few chances to look at players these days as the league season is all encompassing, which makes games like this so important.

"We knew we would have a few regulars missing for this one anyway as some have gone surfing in Morocco, some are at a wedding and some of gone to watch England play New Zealand.

"That didn't actually matter as we wanted to bring in some of the 2nd XV players anyway to look at them against better opposition. That's why it was so important to find a game."

Another reason for playing the Warriors is to see what players they have who could help Newton out in future. It's no real secret that Newton could do with a specialist full-back to cover for the current long-term absence of Jan Viskoper.

Newton are also on the look out for scrum-half cover as Nigel Cane is struggling with hamstring problems and with Marc Dibble having left the club there is no one obvious to come in.

Players from the 2nd XV elevated for this match include backs Damien Milden, Sam Slingsby, Ross McQueen and Jason Marshall, plus forwards James Spencer and Luke Pattison.

An old players' reunion lunch is taking place in the clubhouse prior to tomorrow's match. Around 50 ex-players have booked, but there is room for one or two more. Contact Mike Dart (01647 252254) for a ticket.

NEW Cross go to Wessex feeling under pressure to bring back a win.

The Kingsteignton side have their sights set on finishing in the top five of the qualifying league and progressing to the promotion division after Christmas.

"Topsham, Ilfracombe and North Tawton are only three points behind us and if we lose they are breathing down our necks," said full-back and secretary Clinton Mill.

"If we win we are five points clear and a lot more comfortable. Lose and the others are only a point behind and the pressure is really on us."

Nathan Messer is fit again after injury and will be in contention for a place in the midfield.

New Cross arranged a Club XV friendly at Channings Wood Prison last Saturday when their league game was called off. Wing Lee Darwood scored twice and has forced his way into the reckoning now he is fit again.

KINGSBRIDGE travel to Okehampton looking to regain top spot in the Western Counties Division.

Camborne went past Kingsbridge last time out after winning at Tavistock.

There was nothing Kingsbridge could do about it as their game at Okehampton was a casualty of the weather.