FINISHING bottom of the Principality Premiership won't lead to relegation but that won't stop Newport's encounter with Bridgend being a full-blooded affair this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

Bargoed are running away with the Swalec Championship yet don't have the criteria for promotion so the side that finished on the basement of the top flight of club rugby won't drop down.

Nonetheless, nobody wants to be saved in such a manner and the Black and Ambers, currently in 12th, need to extend their winning streak.

They beat Carmarthen Quins last time out but that was three weeks ago and they must hit the ground running against their fellow strugglers Bridgend, who leapfrogged their hosts by stunning champions Pontypridd last weekend.

The Black and Ambers hand a debut to Dragons tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother and he is joined in the front row by his regional teammate Hugh Gustafson and experienced loosehead Dai Pattison.

Adam Brown captains the side from lock in the absence of openside Ollie Griffiths, who is on Wales Under-20s duty.

Centre Llywarch ap Myrddin makes his Newport bow after signing from RGC 1404 while back row Josh Hayward covers the back row on permit from Bedwas.

Bedwas are still just about in contention for the playoffs but need to upset third-placed Carmarthen Quins on their own turf to stay in the hunt, no easy task.

They include Dragons lock Matthew Screech as they attempt to bounce back from last week's 20-3 loss at Aberavon.

Tomorrow a pair of title contenders clash in a Gwent derby at Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table while Cross Keys attempt to keep in the playoff hunt (kick-off 4pm).

The pair have clashed twice at Pandy Park this season with the host winning a British and Irish Cup qualifier and the visitors triumphing in the league.

Keys secured a dramatic win against Cardiff last weekend and make just one change with Josh Skinner replacing injured blindside Reuben Tucker.

- Under-20s can gain free entry to Newport's encounter with Bridgend along with all of the Black and Ambers' other Premiership encounters at Rodney Parade.

Newport (v Bridgend): G O'Driscoll, O Broad, N Edwards, L ap Myrddin, E Frewen, J Mogg, O Davies. D Pattison, H Gustafson, L Fairbrother, Adam Brown (capt), A Frampton, R Gibbon, R Jenkins, S Feehan. Replacements: Andrew Brown, J Greenfield, J Monck, D Partridge, J Hayward, A Quick, D Franchi, J Lewis.

Bedwas (at Carmarthen Quins): H Thomson, R Budina, M Callow, A Pinches, L Hudd, R Powell, L Crane, D Preece, R Wilkes, J Mills, J Walker, M Screech, A Lee, J Sawyer, D Mattravers (captain). Replacements: A Rees, B Toms, M Pettit, D Crimmins, S Grainger, T Rowlands, J Maynard, M John.

Ebbw Vale: TBC

Cross Keys (at Ebbw Vale): J Cordy-Redden, P Uhi, L Andrews (captain), P Williams, N Trowbridge, E Davies, J Leadbeater, R Cornock, D Hughes, A Lott, D Hodge, S Williams, J Skinner, T Lampard, A Powell. Replacements from: J Howard, C Gould, J Condy, C Townsend, N Williams, E Jones, R Dyer, R James.