Gutsy Green and Whites secure win

Nottingham edged out Newbury 23-16 on Wednesday but are now relying on other results going their way if they are to clinch a top-four spot in National One.

The Green and Whites, who beat Manchester 49-23 on Saturday, are just two points off Doncaster in fourth.

But with just two games remaining their fate is no longer in their own hands.

Nottingham trailed a determined Newbury side 13-6 but secured the win thanks to a disputed penalty try, five David Jackson kicks and a Greg Tonks try.

But their failure to secure a bonus-point victory could mean they miss out on fourth spot.

We came up against a very spirited Newbury side who were determined to spoil our ball

Craig Hammond

However Knights face long trips to Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs in the final week of the season, whilst the Green and Whites will meet Coventry on consecutive weekends.

Skipper Craig Hammond said: "Our target from the last five games was 25 points but we came up against a very spirited Newbury side who were determined to spoil our ball.

"We are relying on other results to go our way for a top-four finish but Donny have some difficult trips ahead and we are back at "Fortress" Meadow Lane on Sunday.

"It feels like we haven't been there for a while, there has been a lot of travelling in the last few weeks, especially in midweek.

"We can't wait to run out on Sunday in front of our home fans and sign off the season at Meadow Lane in style."

Nottingham beat Manchester 49-23 on Saturday

Newbury: Hylton, Crane, Henderson, Scott, Nutt, G. Griffiths, Stevenson, Green, Clark, Fidler, A. Griffiths, Mockford, Pennycook, Bentall, Noonan.
Not Used: Fincken, Pendleton, Kench, Kessell, Ridgers, M. Williams, Perry.

Tries: A. Griffiths. Cons: Stevenson.

Pens: Stevenson 2. Drop Goals: G. Griffiths.

Nottingham: Jackson, Thompson, Tonks, Molenaar, Dodge, Taylor, Pilgrim, Parr, Loney, Holford, McDonald, Nimmo, Hammond, Eggleshaw, Elphinston.
Not Used: Duffey, Youngs, Fowkes, Montagu, Sherriff, Davies, Barnard.

Tries: Penalty, Tonks.

Cons: Jackson 2.

Pens: Jackson 3.

Att: 514.

Ref: Paul Knowles (England).