AFTER a testing start to the season Blackwood will hope to bag their first Swalec Championship win at Glan-yr-Afon Park this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

September was always likely to be a challenging month for Matthew Veater's side with fixtures against three title contenders in RGC 1404, Swansea and Bargoed.

They were narrowly beaten by the north Walians and overpowered by the top two before coming up against a strong Tata Steel side in Port Talbot last weekend.

Blackwood were beaten 38-30 but did earn a four-try bonus thanks to a late rally and will be hopeful of getting up and running against winless Llanharan, who are sat on the bottom.

Newbridge are also without a victory and will have their work cut out when they travel to take on title favourites Swansea this afternoon.

'Bridge drew with Narberth at the Welfare Ground in week two but have since suffered disappointing defeats to Glynneath and Cardiff Met.

They will need to be on top of their game against a Whites side that have won all four games, three with a bonus point.

Swansea and Bargoed look to be the teams to beat but RGC and Pontypool are attempting to keep up with the pair.

Pooler have recovered well from an opening day hammering at the leaders to climb to fourth and attempt to make it four wins on the spin when they travel to Championship new boys Glynneath.

Pooler notched an excellent 34-3 win against Narberth last weekend but won't be complacent against their hosts, who thumped Newbridge 46-24 a fortnight ago.

Bargoed will look to keep top spot by winning at Tondu while the north Walians travel to Narberth.

Fixtures: Blackwood v Llanharan, Cardiff Met v Merthyr, Glynneath v Pontypool, Narberth v RGC 1404, Swansea v Newbridge, Tata Steel v Bridgend Athletic, Tondu v Bargoed.