PONTYPOOL will attempt to keep the heat on the Swalec Championship pacesetters when they host Narberth this afternoon.

Pooler have recovered from an opening weekend drubbing at the hands of leaders Bargoed to beat Llanharan and Tondu.

Last week they dug deep against the Waterwheelers after seeing a commanding lead reduced to five points before defending stoutly for a 22-17 win.

Director of rugby Alun Carter expects his charges to show the same spirit against a Narberth side that have won two and drawn one.

"I was really proud at Tondu, who I think will cause a lot of teams problems," he said. "We could've been 32-3 up but they came back at us and the team showed real character to hold on.

"We haven't lost at Pontypool Park (in the league) since November 2013 so have plenty to play for and we will give Narberth the respect they deserve, after all they were the only side that beat Ebbw Vale last season."

Pooler have secured their A Licence to ensure that a title triumph would be rewarded with promotion back to the Principality Premiership.

The battle for top spot promises to be a fierce one with Bargoed and their formidable pack and Swansea looking to be the early favourites.

"As long as we develop from game to game and work hard I will be happy," said Carter. "Every now and then you can look up and see where you are but I am not going to make any predictions or set any targets now."

Blackwood and Newbridge are still searching for their first wins of the season and could do with breaking their duck to ease worries about a repeat of a 2013/14 relegation scrap.

'Bridge welcome Cardiff Met to the Welfare Ground this afternoon and will need to improve on last week's defensive performance at Championship new boys Glynneath, who ran out 46-24 victors.

Blackwood have come up against a trio of title contenders in RGC 1404, Swansea and Bargoed so will hope for better luck at Tata Steel.

Last April's clash between the sides at Glan-yr-Afon Park was a thriller that helped the Gwent side avoid the drop; the men from Port Talbot won 34-31 but Blackwood bagged a pair of losing bonus points.

Elsewhere this afternoon, Bargoed will look to maintain their perfect start when they host Llanharan while second-placed Swansea, who failed to get a bonus point against Tondu last weekend, travel to Bridgend Athletic.

Merthyr host Glynneath and Tondu make the trip north to face RGC1404.