LUCTONIANS return to league action with a bang this Saturday following the Christmas break when they host promotion rivals Newport (Salop).

After a mixed start to the season Ryan Watkins' side have won their last five matches drawing them to four points from the top and two behind Saturday's visitors in second.

One of Luctonians four defeats this season came at Newport back in September through a last minute penalty kick.

Watkins said his side is now stronger.

He said: "We narrowly lost to Newport earlier in the season but when you look at our team now available there are six or seven different players in our side.

"Our team have got a strong character and good form. January is a big month for us and if we can come through with the points then we know we're going to finish the season strongly.

"If we are still within touching distance after January then traditionally we are better in the warmer months.

"If we can keep picking up points we know we will see teams off in the summer and put big scores on the board.

"In the winter it doesn't matter about the score-line but about getting a win. We will be looking to beat Newport as that's the one game we probably should have won.

"We know that we should have beat them at their place and with them coming to us we have got every chance of doing that.

"We are playing good rugby so Newport are going to be in for a tough afternoon coming to us.

"We should have a strong squad to pick from so are in a good position."