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Newport seek to maintain momentum

Matt O'Brien

Matt O'Brien turns in jublication after slotting the matchwinner (Pic: Simon Latham)

Coach Ty Morris has challenged his Newport side to build on their recent victory over Premiership leaders, Cardiff, when they travel to face Bridgend at the Brewery Field on Saturday.

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The Black and Ambers secured an impressive 18-17 win against their big city rivals in their last Premiership outing with a last minute drop goal to become only the second team to beat Cardiff.

Newport, who are just outside the Premiership top four places, now face a rejuvenated Ravens outfit who have won their last two league games on their home patch.

“We had a really good win against Cardiff at the Arms Park and we need to build on that,” said Morris.  “We have won eight of our last nine games and are building some good momentum and some real confidence.

“We beat Cardiff who are top of the league and are everybody’s favourites to win the Premiership at the start of the season. We didn’t start the season well but the four games we lost were only by two points and that proved we were not far away.”

Newport’s recent run of form now sees them seventh in the table and building at the right time with play-off places at stake.

“We are building at the right time and we are the cup winners and finished well last season but it’s all about those top four places,” said Morris.

“It’s all about getting into the play-offs and keeping the momentum going and hopefully we won’t have anymore postponements.

“We really don’t want to be playing Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday and want a real clear run of games until the end of the season.”

Newport’s next opponents Bridgend are fourth from bottom but have won their last two games under new coach Tom Smith.

The Raven secured a comfortable 18-8 win over Pontpridd at the Brewery Field in their last Premiership fixture.

Morris has identified the influence and threat posed by former Ospreys fly-half Luke Price.

“We play a good Bridgend side and they have won their last two games and they are a well coached side,” said Morris.  “Tom Smith knows what he is doing and it has probably taken him longer than he thought to see the game he wanted to play.

“But with Luke Price’s kicking game we know they will be a tough and dogged side to face.

“We just have to focus on what we have to do and make sure we keep the momentum going in the league.”

Leaders Cardiff  host an RGC side who are just outside the play-offs but who have beat Ebbw Vale in their last game in the league.  Second placed Aberavon welcome second from bottom in the table to the Talbot Athletic Ground.

Llandovery in third place welcome Ebbw Vale in fourth in a compelling top four clash with both sides looking to cement their place in the play-offs. Llanelli host Carm Carmarthen Quins in a basement battle at the wrong end of the Premiership table.

Merthyr travel to St Helen’s to face Swansea knowing a win can put them in the top four play-off places if Ebbw Vale lose away to Llandovery.

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