NEWPORT and Bedwas will attempt to keep their league momentum when they lock horns in the Foster's Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The Principality Premiership takes a break on British and Irish Cup weekends with a new competition established to fill the void.

The Gwent quartet are pooled together in the Challenge Cup and Cross Keys opened up with a 22-2 home win against Ebbw Vale on Wednesday.

Newport, fresh from a league win against the Steelmen, and Bedwas, who enjoyed an excellent win against Aberavon last week, will attempt to keep pace with the men from Pandy Park.

The Black and Ambers hand another start to Joe Cullimore on permit from Caldicot following an impressive debut while the visitors boast plenty of experience in a powerful pack, led by number eight Sam Feehan.

Bedwas are gunning for revenge after losing the Premiership encounter at Rodney Parade 24-22 in September when the common feeling was that Steve Law's men deserved the spoils.

Newport: E Howley, R Wilson, A King, P King, J Morris, J Mogg, A Bidgood, J Greenfield, E Whitson, T Piper, B Morgan, E King, N Hudd, J Cullimore, J Goodey. Replacements: A Watkins, J Powell, M Williams, D Partridge, H Ashby, R Long, W Cunliffe, T Howells.

Bedwas: K Clabby, R Budina, G Davies, M Callow, A Evans, J Dixon, D Jones, B Toms, R Wilkes, K Jenkins, G Edmonds, R Verley, S Feehan (captain), J Sawyer, J Skinner. Replacements: D Preece, R Jones, M Pettit, C Tucker, A Waite, D Mattravers, T Rowlands, R Powell.