TWO title hopefuls will hope to show signs of summer progress in a Gwent derby friendly at Pontypool Park tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

Pooler, aiming for promotion from the Swalec Championship under the stewardship of new head coach Louie Tonkin, entertain an Ebbw Vale side looking to go one better after being runners-up to Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership in May.

The hosts enjoyed a hard-fought 21-12 success against near neighbours Blaenavon last weekend while the Steelmen, who now have former Wales coach Nigel Davies at the helm, lost a high-scoring warm-up at Moseley of the English Championship.

Cross Keys are also in action when they welcome English National One outfit Esher to Pandy Park. The men from Surrey are bringing two squads to Wales with Aberavon hosting the other XV.

Keys, who open up against Llandovery in the league, enjoyed a valuable midweek hit-out at Llantrisant, running out 49-10 victors thanks to scores by flanker Scott Matthews (3), centre Polu Uhi (2), centre Phil Williams, back row Adam Powell and loosehead Richard Cornock.

Bedwas have enjoyed heavy, but useful, pre-season successes against Rhiwbina and Henley but things should go up a notch at Championship champions Bargoed (kick-off 2.30pm). Steve Law’s men start their league campaign at Carmarthen Quins.

Newport enjoyed a good midweek workout against Abercarn in a game moved to Llanwern High School to protect the Rodney Parade pitch after torrential rain.

The coaching team gave a chance for a number of players to press their claims for a place in the squad for the upcoming season in a clash against an Abercarn side that are formidable up front.

The Black and Ambers ran out 60-12 winners in the hour-long clash (there were no floodlights and it was a gloomy August evening) with centre Paul King (3), number eight Dai Ford, flanker Matt Williams and wings Wes Cunliffe and Tom Driver among the try scorers.

Newport continue their preparations for their season opener at Neath when they travel to Championship promotion hopefuls Swansea on Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm)