NEWPORT and Bedwas both came up short in their Principality Premiership openers last weekend – and neither will want a repeat performance on Sunday when they clash at Rodney Parade (2.30pm).

While the Black and Ambers slipped to a 25-22 reverse in Cardiff in game week one, Bedwas lost 18-13 at home to Pontypridd, in a match attended by Newport team manager Mark Workman.

He saw Bedwas squander a great chance to see off the Sardis Road side less than 24 hours after his team had missed the opportunity to upset Cardiff at the Arms Park.

“We came away from the Arms Park feeling frustrated,” said Workman, who played nearly 300 times for Newport. “It was one we could have won.

“On the whole, I thought we were the better side, we just worked hard in the wrong areas of the field.

“We did well to come back into it after going 12-0 down and I thought we were going to go on and win it at half time.

“Our work rate was really good, Reuben Tucker was outstanding in the back row and we dominated them in the scrum in the first half.

“It was an entertaining game and we got a losing bonus point from it. We have also had a couple of extra days to get over it.”

He added: “I went to watch Bedwas-Pontypridd the day after our game and when the rain came the conditions really suited Bedwas. They were a bit unlucky not to come away with a win.

“We know what to expect from Bedwas, they will bring a forward-oriented game with Richard Powell controlling things behind the pack.

“We know we’ve got to match their physicality and it will be a good test for our pack to see where they are at the moment.”

Sunday sees both the hosts and visitors boosted by the inclusion of Newport Gwent Dragons stars Ashton Hewitt and Tom Prydie in their matchday squads – Hewitt for Newport, Prydie for Bedwas.

Bedwas chief Steve Law has admitted he is still in the process of working out his strongest XV, with changes expected for the Newport showdown.

“Newport have improved their set-piece and they have a real attacking threat when you look at their backs,” said Law.

“We’re definitely going there as underdogs and we are expecting it to be nothing but a huge challenge for us. They performed well at the Arms Park without getting the result.”

*The Rodney Parade Beer Festival is being held this weekend to coincide with the Dragons’ clash with Zebre, Newport County's game against Cheltenham and the Black and Ambers' Premiership date with Bedwas.

The marquee and cabin bar will be open from 3pm until 11pm on Friday, 11am until 11pm on Saturday and from midday on Sunday.

Entry to the beer festival is free and there will be at least 25 real ales and live entertainment.