MOST of the focus in the Swalec Championship this afternoon will be on a humdinger between two title hopefuls but at the other end of the table Newbridge aim to avoid being cut adrift.

It's been a miserable start to the season at the Welfare Ground with 'Bridge yet to enjoy a victory.

They have lost six on the spin since drawing with Narberth in round two and last weekend were condemned to a 21-7 home derby defeat to Blackwood.

'Bridge trail Llanharan and Tondu by four points and could do with a morale-boosting win before the league takes a month-long break for the autumn internationals.

However, they will have their work cut out against third-placed Merthyr, who have lost just two games since being promoted to the Championship.

Blackwood had a tricky start to the season against sides that will be challenging at the head of the table.

But Matthew Veater's side welcome Narberth to Glan-yr-Afon Park this afternoon on the back of victories against Tondu and Newbridge and another success today would further stretch their advantage over the strugglers.

Blackwood lost 30-28 in Gwent against Narberth last season and were thumped 63-0 away from home.

Pontypool are in a battle for third place and will attempt to build on a thrilling win against Tata Steel when they travel to Bridgend Athletic.

Ashley Norton, who is currently playing for Stade Francais at the Singapore Cricket Club 7s after accepting an invite from former Pooler utility back Nick Wakley, was the hat-trick hero in a 36-34 win last weekend.

Pooler won 31-24 in last season's meeting with Athletic in Gwent while the spoils were shared after a 14-14 draw at Newbridge Fields.

Game of the day takes place at St Helen's where Swansea desperately need to turn over leaders Bargoed.

The Whites have only lost once, a shock defeat at Merthyr, but cannot afford to allow Bargoed to extend their perfect record.

Elsewhere, Cardiff Met host Llanharan, Tondu head to Glynneath and Tata Steel welcome RGC 1404 to Port Talbot.