NEWPORT head coach Ty Morris is not getting carried away with completing another league double of arch-rivals Cardiff as he prepares his side for their next Indigo Premiership outing against bottom-of-the-table Neath.

Friday night’s game will be back at Newport Stadium rather than at Rodney Parade where the Black and Ambers beat the Blue and Blacks 28-14 last weekend.

That success made it nine consecutive bonus-point wins to secure a play-off place and keep Morris’ men within touching distance of league leaders Llandovery.

“While it is always great to get one over on Cardiff, we have to stay professional and approach the next game in exactly the same manner,” said Morris.

“We’ve got two huge fixtures coming up against Ebbw Vale and Llandovery and we are determined to finish in the top two to secure a home semi-final. We have to keep pushing hard.

“We’ve got a few tired bodies after the game against Cardiff. It was like a war zone in the dressing room at half-time because both teams threw everything they had at each other.

“No disrespect to Neath, we might rest a few this week to ensure everyone is fit and healthy for the next two games.

“That said, we won’t be taking Neath lightly and will be looking to extend our winning run.

“We’ve built up some good strength in depth within the squad and we want them all to be fighting for places as we come to the business end of the season.”

Neath have won only three of their 18 games this season and were not among the nine teams to be confirmed in next season’s new Elite Domestic Competition, with one spot still up for grabs.

The two clubs haven’t met this season and after Friday they will do it all over again at The Gnoll on Saturday, April 6.

This weekend’s clash allows Newport to close the 10-point gap on the Drovers with their game in hand, while extending their 10-point lead over third-placed Ebbw.

The Black and Ambers travel to Eugene Cross Park on March 23 and then host Llandovery the following Thursday in front of the S4C cameras.

Ebbw are in a strong position for at least third place but the tussle for fourth is tight, with Cardiff currently in the final berth.

The Blue and Blacks travel to Carmarthen Quins on Friday night with Pontypridd, Pontypool, Aberavon and Merthyr all hoping they slip up.

- Former Newport chairman Bob Atkins has died at the age of 90.

“Bob was a very influential person for Newport RFC in the past holding a variety of rolls including fixture secretary but also chairman for the 1976/77 season when Newport beat Cardiff in the Welsh Cup final,” read a club statement.

“We send our condolences to wife Margaret and all of Bob’s family and friends.”