IT WAS a tough pre-season for Pontypool but the promotion hopefuls will hope the hard graft pays off when they kick off their Swalec Championship campaign at Narberth tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 1.30pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler were thrashed 50-10 by Amptill, coached by former Dragons boss Paul Turner, last weekend and shipped eight tries to the upwardly-mobile National One outfit.

That followed a 33-0 home loss to Ebbw Vale and tough training workouts with Premiership sides Newport and Pontypridd.

The hope will be that such rigorous exercises have prepared them for what will be a crunch first few weeks of the season.

Today’s tricky trip to Narberth is followed by clashes with Swansea (h), Newbridge (a), Bargoed (h) and Merthyr (a). A good start will set them up for a push for the Premiership, a sluggish one will leave them playing catch-up.

Pooler have never won on five visits to Narberth and hand debuts to centre Luke Ford, fly-half Rhys Preedy and flanker Gareth Rusby-Davies. Former Tonga international Sione Tu’ipulotu is set to make his Pooler return from the bench.

NEWBRIDGE will be determined to show they’ve made strides since last season, when an upturn in fortunes under new coach Neil Edwards saw them ease away from relegation trouble.

They open their campaign with a home encounter with an RGC 1404 side that the Welsh Rugby Union would love to head into the Premiership.

The north Walians hammered ‘Bridge twice last season – triumphing 47-7 at the Welfare Ground and 87-7 at Eirias Park. Edwards will expect it to be a different story this afternoon.

Other fixtures: Bargoed v Beddau, Glynneath v Tata Steel, Llanharan v Newcastle Emlyn, Merthyr v Bridgend Athletic, Swansea v Cardiff Met

CROESYCEILIOG get their Swalec Division Two East campaign under way when they host Abertysswg.

Both matches last season were evenly fought with a victory apiece. Kick-off has been moved to 1.30pm because of Wales’ final World Cup warm-up against Italy at 5pm.

Croesy’s mini and junior rugby section are holding a barn dance at Woodland Road on Friday, September 18.

Tickets cost £10 and include a meal of curry and rice. Contact Kate Willmot Smith or other committee members for tickets.