NEWCASTLE chairman Richard Thomas is putting his faith in the club's talented youngsters to build a bright future at Lilleshall Road.

A handful of Colts have forced their way into the first team this season, and Thomas said: "These are exciting times."

Players such as Dan Jones, Tom Westwood, George White, Wayne Scott and Tom Martin have made an impression in Midlands Three West (North) by hoisting the club to fourth place.

And while promotion is a step too far, Newcastle have a part to play in deciding who goes up as they have to meet the three teams above them, starting at home to second-placed Veseyans on Saturday.

Newcastle have won six of their last seven games, but Thomas said: "We finished well last season, but then had to rebuild because we lost players. We will have a say this time, but hope that next year we will be more in the mix.

"We know we are prey to bigger clubs and I am sure they will come knocking again in an attempt to entice the youngsters away.

"But we are a family club with good facilities. We also play a brand of rugby that we want the players to enjoy, and we hope our ethos will make them want to stay.

"With the aid of funding, we have spent £300,000 on improving facilities. A lot of work has gone into that and we hope the players will be more appreciative of what they have here."

Newcastle are also looking to the future by working with local schools to set up a feeder system into their junior section.

"We have laid the foundations for boys to come through," explained Thomas.

Meanwhile, Dan Slack's season is over after the centre damaged knee ligaments in last Saturday's home win against Bishops Castle and Onny Valley.

Midlands Three West (North) leaders LEEK have a crucial home match against Tamworth on Saturday.

The visitors are third in the table, five points behind Leek but with two games in hand, and are one of only two sides to have beaten the Moorlands men.

Leek's director of rugby, Neil Edge, said: "We went to Tamworth early in the season with only half a side.

"A lot of key players were missing, but this time we are at full strength for what is a big game.

"They have some key players so it will be a difficult game, but we have played well this season under the guidance of coach Ian Gittens and he will have a big part to play again."

Leek will be refreshed after taking a well-earned break last weekend – although Lucas Buxton and Gary McDermott turned out for Dyers Arms in the Leek and District Sunday Football League.