NEWBRIDGE aim to start a new era with a first win of the season when they host Tata Steel in the Swalec Championship this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

'Bridge are propping up the table after failing to win any of their five fixtures and have changed their management team.

Neil Edwards has come on board as head coach and the Welfare Ground side will hope the former lock can have the same impact as he did when leading Ebbw Vale to Division One East titles in 2010 and 2011 before headed to the Premiership and Neath.

Newbridge were predictably outplayed by title favourites Swansea last weekend and face another stern test against fourth-place Tata, who have won four out of five with the Whites their only conquerors.

The bottom club can take heart from last season's meetings that saw the home sides win and the away sides bag bonus points, with 'Bridge winning 23-20 in Gwent before going down 34-27 in Port Talbot.

Pontypool have fought back impressively since their opening day hammering at the hands of leaders Bargoed.

Third-placed Pooler have won four on the spin and face a test of their title credentials when they host Cardiff Met today.

The students have found their feet since a tough start and scored 43 points at Newbridge a fortnight ago and 45 against Merthyr last week.

But Pooler showed their mettle to win with a bonus point at Glynneath last time out and need to maintain their winning ways ahead of next weekend's trip to Swansea.

Blackwood eased their nerves with a first win of the season against Llanharan last weekend but need to follow that up with a success against Bridgend Athletic.

The Glan-yr-Afon Park outfit, who are 11th, have already played four of the top five and will hope that a good run of form will ease them into mid-table.

Bridgend enjoyed a hard-fought double over Blackwood last season, winning 32-30 at Newbridge Fields and 16-15 in Gwent.

Other fixtures: Bargoed v Narberth, Llanharan v Tondu, Merthyr v Swansea, RGC 1404 v Glynneath