Cricket: Phil Newport in fitness battle

Phil Newport, Worcestershire's former England paceman, is confident that he will be fit for the start of the 1997 season after starting rehabilitation work following an operation to cure an Achilles tendon problem. Newport, one of the key figures in the glory years of the Ian Botham era, missed two-thirds of last season because of the injury.

SUPERSPORT SERIES (Final day of four) East London: Transvaal 291 and 162 (M Benfield 53, P J Botha 4-47); Border 319 for 8 dec and 135 for 5. Border won by five wickets.