PONTYPOOL attempt to become the first speed bump for big-spending Merthyr in the SSE Swalec Championship this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler have made a solid start to the campaign given their lengthy injury list with a draw against champions Bargoed last week following successes against Narberth and Newbridge.

They face their biggest test of their promotion credentials this afternoon when they travel to a Merthyr side who have recorded four bonus-point victories.

The hosts won the corresponding fixture last season 23-19 while Pooler enjoyed a 20-5 home triumph in April, although Merthyr have bolstered their ranks considerably since then with former Wales and Dragons number eight Andy Powell captaining the Ironmen

Newbridge aim to maintain their hugely encouraging start to the season when they host Narberth at the Welfare Ground.

‘Bride made it three wins from four when they triumphed at Tata Steel last weekend and they sit fourth in the table, a super start after a challenging summer of change.

They will hope to stay in the winning groove against a Narberth side who have lost three of four but who pushed Swansea all the way when beaten 39-32 last weekend.

Last season the spoils were shared 23-23 at the Welfare and Narberth triumphed 17-3 on their home soil in January.

Other fixtures: Bargoed v Tata Steel, Bridgend Ath v Beddau, Glynneath v Swansea, Llanharan v Cardiff Met, Newcastle Emlyn v RGC 1404