FORWARDS coach Ty Morris says the entire Newport squad will have to dig deep to stop the woeful weather derailing their Principality Premiership title push.

The Black and Ambers are once again looking upwards at dark clouds as they prepare for a derby clash at Bedwas.

Newport haven't taken to the field in the league since December 5 and have also endured a host of postponements in the Foster's Challenge Cup and lost to Carmarthen Quins in a Swalec Cup clash that was also delayed a week.

It has been a frustrating spell that has seen them drop to fifth in the table and the enforced break is likely to lead to a manic few months as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs.

"It is a worry that we will be playing a couple of times a week and it will be important to look after players and manage their game time," said Morris.

"We are aiming for a successful league campaign and if that means bringing in players from other clubs for the Challenge Cup then so be it."

To that end it was with great disappointment in Newport that last weekend's meeting between the sides in the development competition was a one-sided affair with Bedwas romping to a 46-0 victory.

"To have a good Premiership season you need strength in depth so it was disappointing that some fringe players didn't take their opportunity," said Morris.

"They will get more chances and next time they will have to be better if they are to make a claim for a start.

"It was a very poor performance and they didn't step up to the mark but we hope to get back on the horse this weekend.

"Bedwas will make one or two changes while we will make plenty but it will be a similar style of game – the bad weather means the condition of the pitch makes it difficult for anyone to play expansive rugby."

Bedwas coach Ian Gardner is paying little attention to his side's victory last week despite being pleased with their display.

"We are not naïve in thinking that has any bearing on this game," he said. "They will have a completely different side while we will make changes even though we had a strong side out."

The hosts are seeking revenge after being edged out 24-22 when the sides met at Rodney Parade in September.

"Everybody said we were the better side but they have got into the winning habit this season and their coaches deserve a lot of credit for what they have been doing," said Gardner.

"They have been trying to play some good rugby but you have got to be realistic and conditions will dictate things this weekend. It will be attritional and the side that has set-piece dominance will come out on top."