PONTYPOOL boss Leighton Jones has warned his side that they need to up their game as they prepare for one of their toughest assignments in the WRU Championship, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler made a winning start in their bid for a third title on the spin – an achievement that would earn a promotion play-off against a Premiership rival – when they triumphed 29-18 at Ystrad Rhondda.

Scores by Lewis Prothero, Clayton Gullis, Rhodri Usher and a penalty try earned a bonus point at Gelligaled Park but it wasn't the most polished of performances by Jones' side, who won all 22 league games last season.

They trailed 6-5 early in the second half and the head coach knows that his side need to improve today when they host Tata Steel (kick-off 2.30pm).

"We were rusty and off the pace," admitted the former hooker.

"It is a tough place to go but there is no doubt we were fortunate to come away with a bonus point.

"It wasn't complacency, I think it was just down to it being the first game of the season against a team who had been promoted and were really up for it, but we know that there is plenty to work on.

"We started slowly and we made hard work of everything. The boys reacted better in the second half and the subs made a big impact, but we have to be on it from the start this weekend."

Tata are top of the pile after round one thanks to their 67-29 success against Bedlinog and finished fourth last season and third the year before.

"Tata have been at the top end of the table so it is a big task facing us," said Jones.

"Defensively we haven't been on the money so far, so we need to improve if we are up against a different sort of Tata."

Newbridge are also hunting a second win when they head to Narberth, last season's runners-up.

The Pigs started with a 21-12 success against Rhydyfelin at the Welfare Ground with scrum-half Matt Davies, outside centre Lewis Hudd and fly-half Sam Withers crossing.

They travel to face a Narberth side that battled for a 20-17 victory at Beddau on opening weekend.

Last season 'Bridge lost 35-19 out west in round one before getting revenge by sneaking the spoils 15-13 in a tight tussle at the Welfare Ground.