CRAIG Warlow is craving consistency at Newport as the Black and Ambers look to finish their Principality Premiership East fixtures on a high, starting tonight in Cardiff (kick-off 7.15pm).

The Rodney Parade outfit have won three games and lost four so far this season, leaving them fifth in the table ahead of December’s merging with the western conference.

A 31-19 defeat by this evening’s hosts back in August wasn’t the way Warlow and his men wanted to start the new term.

And, not for the first time, it has been inconsistent displays that have prevented them from mixing it with the sides at the top.

Impressive wins over Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys have been countered by losses to Cardiff, Bedwas, Merthyr and Bargoed.

Head coach Warlow said: “I was reading a piece on Nigel Wray, the Saracens benefactor, and he said there were times during their formative years where they could beat anyone and lose to anyone.

“I feel that’s where we’ve been over the last 18-24 months, looking for that bit of consistency.

“We’re looking forward to getting back into it this weekend and hopefully carrying on where we left off before the break when we beat Cross Keys.

“We’ve given the opportunity to give the boys a break but we really ramped it up in training this week and had a great session with Newbridge on Monday night.”

Former back-rower Sam Cross is someone Warlow would love to have at his disposal these days.

The Ospreys flanker was called into the Wales squad this week on the back of just one regional appearance.

“Sam is a bit of a free spirit,” added Warlow. “He is an immensely talented athlete and we were just pleased to have him.

“I can see what Warren Gatland is doing. He is trying to bring through players for the 2019 World Cup, and Sam could be one of those.”

Wing Elliot Frewen and lock Dan Partridge are still unavailable for Newport.