NEWPORT face the sternest test so far of their Welsh Premier Division championship-retaining potential when they visit Bedwas this evening (7.15pm).

The Bridge Field club were the only side apart from Neath to defeat Newport in the league last season and are keen to add to that 22-21 success.

The only other side to beat Newport were Cross Keys, then coached by now Newport chief David Rees, who knocked them out of the Konica Minolta Cup.

So Rees knows more than anyone the type of challenge Newport can expect tonight and is under no illusions.

"Bedwas are a very well organised side and I have the utmost respect for their coaches (Ian Gardner and Steve Law)," he said.

"We have come through two tough derby games and this is another in the middle of a big three-weeks spell of six away games in seven for us.

"If we can come through the test it will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. Every team wants to beat the champions and this is something we have to accept and learn to deal with."

Bedwas coach Ian Gardener said: "Our performance (in winning 42-12) at Llandovery on Saturday was a 100 per cent improvement on our display against Llanelli (when beaten 16-14 at home) and we'll take a lot of confidence from that.

"Newport have a terrific pedigree and have again recruited well but we beat them last season and we'll be going out with all guns blazing to try to do so again."

Newport have problems with flanker Nick Kelly (bruised back) joining outside half Daniel Griffiths (back), centre Rhys Shorney, scrum half James Ireland and No 8 Richard Dale on the injury list and a couple of other players nursing knocks.

Former Cross Keys scrum half Tom Walsh makes his first start with Bryan Shelbourne, now a Newport player having been released by Newport Gwent Dragons, on the bench.

Bedwas make seven squad changes and include hooker Khalid Jama who has played for Wales at all junior levels and was with Cardiff before a shoulder injury put him out for a year.

His contest with opposite number Keiron Crawford will be very interesting.

Newport: A McLaughlan, G Chapman, R Payne, S Ireland/A N Other, W Kershaw-Naylor, R Williams, T Walsh, I Evans, K Crawford, G Robinson, D Davies, N Edwards/A N Other, M Veater, S Waldron, R Jones. Replacements (from) P Williams, M Popham, G Mason, D Pattison, B Shelbourne, C Thomas, AN Other. Bedwas: A James, S Sankala, J Welch, J Lynch, N Hill, R Sweeney, S Jones, G Leonard, K Jama, J Salter, R Edwards, A Evans, S Gardner, P Wheeler, D Mattravers. Replacements: R Phillips, A Harrison, J Tilley, M Davies, M Pettit, L Howells, C Hill.

Cross Keys make no fewer than 14 changes changes from the squad who won at Pontypool on Saturday for Cardiff's visit to Pandy Park tonight (7.15pm).

This amounts to them taking quite a risk against a team they would normally expect to defeat at home.

"We have a squad of 32 who all want to play and we have to give as many as possible an opportunity in the opening games," said Keys coach Robert Beale. "Our win at Pontypool on Saturday will have given the players confidence and this is an opportunity for others to stake their claims to a regular spot.

"Cardiff will provide tough opposition, but you have to aim to win your home games."

Cross Keys: G Worgan, M McKee, N Williams, D Dark, N McKim, O Biddescombe, T Mahoney, D Evans, G Price, J Price, D Hudd, G Taylor, B Watkins/R Peebles, T Morris, W Thomas. Replacements: S Mitchell, G Betts, M Curtis, C Gould, T Maxwell, I George. Kick-off 19.15.