Newport hope for sweet moment

Four years ago Newport won promotion to the Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League at British Sugar - tonight they can be relegated from it at the same place.The Premier wooden spoonists face Tanners Shropshire League champions Pontesbury in the play-off crunch at Allscott (7pm) with a place among the 14-strong elite next year at stake.

Newport hope the venue proves a lucky omen, as it was the scene of their 2003 play-off win over Battlefield, but Fishes skipper Dale Rudrum knows it's all about what happens on the green tonight.

He watched Pontesbury's 'pre play-off' win over Market Drayton League champions District on Wednesday, and was impressed by their 53 chalk victory.

"They have a couple of strong players and we will have to cope with that," said Rudrum.

"I would like to think that, overall, we are stronger team but it's all about what happens on the night."

Newport have left nothing to chance, several players seeing Pontesbury's midweek win before taking part in a full team practice last night.

Rudrum has a full strength squad to pick from with Dave Westwood given permission to play after being unavailable for most of the season.

Newport's 2004 Shropshire Merit winner Alan Davidson and his county team-mate Daryl Edwards, are the big guns on each side.

But Rudrum just wants to concentrate on what his side do. "We can't worry too much about their order - you can end up over-analysing it. I've got my order and that's all I can control," he said.

And Newport do have another lucky omen, Rudrum pointing out: "We've never lost in a play-off game."

l With a big crowd expected tonight, spectators are urged to arrive early - and follow parking guidance from British Sugar club stewards.

By Malcolm Fletcher