PLENTY of eyebrows have been raised by Ebbw Vale's stunning start to the Principality Premiership but it hasn't come as a surprise to head coach Jason Strange, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen will attempt to record a fourth win out of five when they travel to Rodney Parade to take on Newport tomorrow afternoon.

Ebbw sit fourth in the table and have try bonus points in all their successes, the latest a stunning 34-20 win against Cross Keys at Pandy Park.

"I am really pleased with the start but it doesn't surprise me because I knew how hard the players work and how quickly they learn and progress," said Strange, whose side could overtake leaders Pontypridd this weekend.

"The most difficult thing was always going to be to make sure we didn't lack self-belief but we have played exactly the type of rugby we wanted to, particularly against Cross Keys when we took risks and got the rewards."

The one disappointment that Ebbw have suffered was against Newport when they were edged out 25-22 at Eugene Cross Park.

Strange issued a mea culpa – admitting that he made too many changes to a winning side – but believes the loss will serve his side well in the long term.

He said: "We learn plenty of lessons from that game and know that if we don't turn up with our best attitude and produce our best performance then we will get beaten."

The Black and Ambers have endured a stickier start to the campaign with their sole success coming against their Gwent rivals.

Hopes of that prompting a winning streak have been dashed by Bridgend and Cardiff but Newport are optimistic of their Eugene Cross Park blueprint getting them back on track.

"We are looking for more of the same," said team manager Mark Workman. "We need to get at least parity up front and to take our chances when they come, something that we did in Ebbw Vale but didn't do last week in Cardiff.

"We started slowly but showed character to get back into the game and in the end we were disappointed not to win.

"We are struggling for numbers because of injuries and unavailability but that's not being used as an excuse and the way the boys have pulled together has been encouraging."

Newport are still without their Dragons Academy quartet, including captain Ollie Griffiths, who are playing for Keys in the British and Irish Cup.

They suffered an injury blow when centre Dom Franchi was forced off in Cardiff but they are set to be boosted by the return of speedster Elliot Frewen, who has been out of action since dislocating his thumb playing for the Dragons in the pre-season Premiership Rugby 7s.