Exiles Strengthen For Derby (From Derby)

Newport have used the extra space afforded to them after the first set of Green Sheet Averages to add to their squad in preparation for the big Knockout Cup derby against Division Two Exeter Vipers.

They have done so by bringing two riders to Spytty in Riccardo Ginestra from Derby Bucks and Danny Watson from Coventry Wildcats.

Italian rider Ginestra has started the season in the best form of his life as he is currently averaging 6.73 in Division Three, which will immediately put the 32-year old in second on the Exiles average charts.

As a result, the Exiles were willing to part with £7,500 to recruit the Italian in the hope that his form will continue as he steps up from second string to heat leader.

Meanwhile, experienced Danny Watson was brought in on loan from Coventry in part because of his ability to suffer very little drop-off between his home and away performances.

34 year-old Watson has not had more than a two-point difference between his home and away averages in over a decade and in away meetings is only outscored by Ben Tullett and Lars Elmander in the Newport ranks.