NEWPORT will get the chance to size up National Cup semi-final opponents Llandovery today when the two sides lock horns in the Principality Premiership (kick-off 2.30pm).

This afternoon’s Church Bank showdown comes just over a week before they go head-to-head at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground for a place in the cup final.

The Black and Ambers have returned to winning ways in recent weeks following their surprise defeat by Bridgend on March 16.

They scored 43 and 48 points against Bedwas and Neath respectively to get their hopes of a title triumph back on track.

Llandovery are only three points behind Newport and have played the fewest number of games of anyone in the Premiership.

Bedwas are the only team to beat the Drovers in the second part of the season and the West Walians go into today’s battle on the back of an emphatic defeat of Pontypridd.

While Newport had just enough to beat a spirited Neath outfit last weekend, they did pick up a couple of injuries and Craig Warlow’s squad will be stretched again.

Four days after the trip west there is another test for Newport in the shape of Swansea at Rodney Parade on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, centre Tom Pascoe has been named Newport’s player of the month for February after several strong performances in the midfield.

Pascoe, who has won two monthly awards this season, received his latest prize from former Black and Ambers player, captain and coach Brian Jones.

Elsewhere today, Bargoed host third-placed Cardiff, top visit bottom as Merthyr travel to Neath, and Swansea entertain Pontypridd at St Helen’s.

And there are some big games on Monday when RGC 1404 welcome Cardiff to Colwyn Bay and Llandovery go to Merthyr.