Newport Rugby Club face a critical test tomorrow playing host to Malvern with a single point cushion from the relegation zone.
Having played 16 matches, winning only five, it’s been a gruelling year for the town outfit who have battled long months with a small squad.
Now in the crucial home stretch Newport’s main objective is to stay afloat in the National League 3 Midlands.
Manager Gareth Davies said the squad had fought valiantly, but a sheer lack of numbers and injury problems have resulted in a struggling season.
Last Saturday’s brutal encounter with old foe’s Luctonians did little for morale.
With a 19-18 lead going into the final 20 minutes, Newport suffered two casualties, eventually sinking to a 28-19 defeat.
“We started the game well, like we have done all season, “ said Davies.
“We were leading with 20 minutes to go and then we had a couple of injuries. Our prop Morgan Sikanen had to be replaced because of a knock to the head and hooker Phil Kaleta damaged his shoulder and had to be taken off.
“It’s no disrespect to the players that come on but they are not always with the moves or the style of play. We just don’t have the depth in the squad.
“James Curgenven had a great game at fly half and he kept us in the match with his boot.
“But it was just the last 20 minutes and the lads are very disappointed having been the better side for most of the match.
“We take on Malvern at home this week and it’s a crucial must win game being just one point off the relegation zone.”
Malvern travel to Forton Road after turning over a formidable Leicester 10-5 outfit last Saturday.
Newport’s already battered and bruised squad suffers two further blows with Sam Lewis and Rob Climber both out injured.
Davies added: “Malvern have had a couple of good results recently and they are edging towards mid table so it’s very important we win this match with five points on the table including bonus points.
“We have the beating of most sides and we’ve had great performances this season against top outfits including Luton and South Leicester. But we never seem to start a game and finish a game with the same 15.
“Although, other teams do have a harder run in than us, so the most important thing is to stay up in the league.”
