Rugby union: Fijian ace the centre of attention for Longton

LONGTON have been strengthened by the return of a third Fijian, Naz Narawa, as they go back to National Division Three Midlands action at second-placed Hinckley.

Narawa, a strong, hard-running and direct centre, played for the club last season before his work on the railways took him to London. But Scott Rawlings has his leg in plaster and also unavailable are Joel Booth, Dan Robson and Chris Buck, who is nearing then end of his tour of Eastern Europe as the drummer in a band.

Robson, who attends Hartpury College, has been selected for the Midlands under-18s training squad that meets at Loughborough Grammar School on Sunday.

STOKE skipper Ben Briggs plans to test his knee injury at mid-table Camp Hill in Midlands West One.

Briggs has been out of action for several weeks, but played half a game with the seconds last week with no ill effects.

He said: "I don't know what the problem is. I have had scans and will now see how it goes on Saturday."

Stoke, third from bottom having won just one of 11 games, call up Mitchell Hulme.

STAFFORD, who have lost all eight games in Midlands Two West (North), are at home to rock bottom Ashbourne.

The visitors have an inferior points difference to Stafford, whose non-playing captain Ben Ryder insisted: "This is a game we have to win.

"We have not played many games at home and, with the teams we still have to play at our place, our fate is in our hands.

"But if we lose to Ashbourne then we will be favourites for relegation and the players have been told that."

Stafford have Richard Walklate and Ross Donovan back from long-term injuries, while Tom May and Matt Rowley also return.

New LEEK recruit John Newby makes his debut at home to Wednesbury in Midlands Three West (North) after signing from Derby.

The influential Sam Hunt returns after a month off with a shoulder injury, but Luke Staton, Rhodri Hughes and Adam Smith are all still missing.

UTTOXETER expect their toughest game of the season at Midlands Four East (North) leaders Dronfield.

Both sides were promoted last season and are unbeaten this term – but Dronfield are a point ahead of Uttoxeter, who beat Dudley Wasps 26-0 in the Junior Vase last week, having played one game more.

Player coach Rob Scragg is back in the side, while Pete Allen has also returned while he awaits a cruciate ligament operation.

Skipper Andy Moult said: "Pete was injured in the penultimate game of last season, but returned to training after a summer rest. He felt it in the first friendly so did not start the season, but was back last week. He feels he cannot make it any worse and he is such a good player to have in the team."

TRENTHAM, struggling in South Lancs/Cheshire Two, cross the water to play Douglas on the Isle of Man.

Several players are unable to make the journey, so Trentham field a relatively young side that will include second-team skipper Jack Harrison at hooker.

The most encouraging feature is the return at centre of John Street for his first game since breaking his arm in the Trentham 10s tournament in August.

LINLEY and Kidsgrove tackle new opponents when they meet Ellesmere Port at Bathpool Park.

Linley try a new centre partnership in Sam Dumigan and Sean Ford, with Kevin White dropping to the bench.

Mick Cunningham returns at lock and Ricky Bentley takes the place of the injured Andy Cripps at six.

Linley were without a league game last week so played a Market Drayton side top of Midlands Five West (North).

Linley gave several players first-team experience and ran out 8-5 winners with Mark Gee (try) and Josh Powell (penalty) scoring their points.

ECCLESHALL were handed a walkover in the third round of the Midlands Junior Vase when scheduled visitors Tupton, cried off.