NEWBRIDGE will attempt to continue their Swalec Championship rise when they travel to Narberth this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

'Bridge have climbed off bottom and above Llanharan and Tondu thanks to successive victories against their fellow strugglers at the Welfare Ground.

Suddenly they have Blackwood in their sights but things will be tougher in the west against a Narberth side that are licking their wounds after an 82-11 Swalec Cup hammering at the hands of Llandovery last weekend.

The teams shared the spoils in Gwent earlier this season with wing Tom Driver's late score salvaging a 23-23 draw for Newbridge.

Blackwood are in freefall after six league losses on the spin and have a new coaching team of scrum-half Matthew Hutcheon and back row forward David Brake at the helm as they attempt to avoid a relegation scrap.

Things may get worse before they get better as they host second-placed Swansea today and are up against leaders Bargoed next weekend.

Blackwood lost 48-14 in the cup to Llanharan last weekend despite having home advantage and they have shipped 180 points in the last three games.

They lost 73-0 at St Helen's in September and will need to show more defensive resolve at Glan-yr-Afon Park.

Newbridge and Blackwood will be hoping that Pontypool do them a favour on their travels to Llanharan.

The battle for places three to eight is a tight one with Pooler currently sitting fourth, a point behind Merthyr but just four ahead of RGC 1404.

Alun Carter's men triumphed 32-13 when the sides met earlier this season thanks to tries by Marc Thornley (2), Matthew Thomas and Nathan Brooks.

Leaders Bargoed impressed when they pushed Pontypridd hard in the cup and will look to take another step towards the title by beating RGC 1404, who stunned Neath on their own turf last weekend.

Third-placed Merthyr travel to struggling Tondu, Cardiff Met host Tata Steel while Bridgend Athletic take on Glynneath.

THE DRAW has been made for the knockout stages of the Ben Francis Cup.

Cup: Croesyceiliog/Oakdale v Abergavenny, Pill Harriers v Cwmbran, Risca v Machen, Brynmawr v Blaenavon.

Plate: Nantyglo v Abercarn, Abertillery v Newport Saracens, Ysysddu v Pontypool United, Llanhilleth v Talywain.

Bowl: Usk v Fleur de Lys, Brynithel v Tredegar Ironsides.