Shropshire Star

Newport aiming to do the double

Trophy-hungry skipper Sam Millward has warned his Newport side have their sights set on doing the double.

Published

Newport sit top of the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League as they prepare to entertain Chester Road tomorrow night.

And The Fishes booked their place in the final of the County Cup with a thrilling semi-final success against Bowring.

That victory came 24 hours after last Friday’s 10-4 defeat at St Georges, and Millward insists it lifted any disappointment at a rare Premier League defeat.

“It’s my first year as skipper and I want to win as much as I can, whatever we are playing in,” said Millward.

“It was nice to win in the cup. I’m not sure how it’s treated in other counties but in Shropshire the County Cup is massive.

“It’s something to look forward to but it lifted morale after losing on the Friday. It’s always nice to win, but when you win such a close game it’s a bit more special.”

Newport are seven points clear of Sir John Bayley and Millward believes the title race will likely be between the two.

“I see them as our main challenger at the minute, I can’t see anyone else matching us,” he added.

“I might be wrong and someone might go on a run, there’s still a long way to go.

“But I’m not looking beyond Bayley. I wasn’t too disappointed at getting four at St Georges, and when I saw the Bayley had lost as well, at least it meant we had gained a point on them.”

Bayley will look to bounce back and keep up the pressure when they host a Bylet side who are enjoying a fine season.

Third-placed Hanwood go to Ifton and Castlefields host St Georges.

Wem USC have had a tough run of games against the top sides but now entertain 12th-placed Bowring, who sit one place and point adrift.

Captain Scott Thomas said: “We put in a really pleasing performance last Friday. We now need to carry this into the next run of games.”

Wrockwardine Wood are at home to Burway and Meole Brace go to bottom club Hanmer in the night’s other fixture.