NEWBRIDGE will be gunning for revenge for a heavy defeat when they end a long wait for rugby by hosting SSE Swalec Championship title hopefuls Swansea this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.
'Bridge have not taken to the field since being beaten 38-8 by Pontypool on Boxing Day because of postponed fixtures against Tata Steel and Narberth plus a Swalec Cup round one bye.
After starting the season impressively, Neil Edwards' side could do with a win or two to ease any nerves about a relegation dogfight.
They currently have a four-point buffer over Glynneath and Newcastle Emlyn, who both travel to the Welfare Ground in the run-in.
It would, however, be a shock if they record a victory against the promotion-chasing Whites.
Swansea are embroiled in a tussle with big-spending Merthyr for the title with Pontypool, RGC 1404 and Bargoed seemingly scrapping it out for the other two spots in next season's 16-strong Principality Premiership.
The Whites have only lost two games this season – to Merthyr in October and to Pontypridd in the Swalec Cup – and dished out a 66-10 thumping when 'Bridge headed west in
Pontypool shouldn't have too many problems getting back on the horse after last week's plucky Swalec Cup defeat to Premiership side Bedwas.
Pooler travel to a Llanharan side who have lost all 13 of their league games and whose tries against total should pass into three figures this afternoon.
Sadly the Dairymen are finding things hard this season but Louie Tonkin's promotion hopefuls must show no mercy and five points will be precious in the bid for a top-four spot.
They secured that easily when the teams met at Pontypool Park in October with scrum-half Aaron Quick (2), centre Sione Tu'ipulotu (2), number eight Ben Sparks (2), wing Josh Hurley, prop Jamie Jeune and wing Nathan Brooks (1) running in tries in a 60-18 victory.
Pooler have rearranged their postponed home fixtures against promotion rivals RGC 1404 and Bargoed for the end of the season with the north Walians heading to Gwent on Saturday, April 23 and the reigning champions visiting the following Saturday.
Today's other fixtures: Bargoed v Narberth, Bridgend Athletic v RGC 1404, Glynneath v Beddau, Merthyr v Tata Steel, Newcastle Emlyn v Cardiff Met
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