THERE may be a new Premier Division this season, meaning a step into the unknown, but for Bedwas and Newbridge on Saturday it will be a case of familiar faces.

There are many newcomers in the new semi-professional league, but Bedwas and Newbridge know each other's games inside out and both expect a tight encounter at Newbridge's Welfare ground (kick-off 2.30pm).

"We scored the double over them last season, but both were close games which could have gone either way. It was just that we had the rub of the green," said Bedwas' Ian Gardener.

"If anyone can stop us playing it's a team with a big, powerful pack like Newbridge. If we can secure enough decent ball we'll try to play our usual expansive game, but it's a really tough game to start with."

Newbridge backs coach Jonathan Westwood commented: "Bedwas are a well organised side who have some good individual players who are capable of causing us problems.

"Hopefully we'll be a bit better and stronger than we were last season, but I'm expecting a fierce encounter." Overall, both coaches are looking forward to the new campaign.

"It's a step into the unknown and it's all about finding your level," said Westwood, "but I feel we have a squad good enough to compete.

"I think we'll see a better brand of rugby and hopefully it will pull in bigger crowds, especially as the new regional sides won't be playing at the same time. We won't know a lot about the sides who weren't in the First Division last season, but it'll be exciting to be playing Llanelli, Cardiff, Newport and the like again."

Newbridge have lost key men in record-scoring outside half Jason Williams and flanker John Bowd while big second row Mike Peard will be out until Christmas.

But replacement pair Ross Watts and Wayne Sims have been outstanding in pre-season friendlies.

Gardener added: "I thought the clubs who had stepped down to the Premier were going to field young players, but from what I can see they have a lot of experience as well.

"It's going to be a very tough, competitive division and I feel the pace of the game will be much higher.

"We have a pretty young squad and have retained most of the players from last season while strengthening in certain areas.

"We are virtually the only real village club in the division. Others are either established clubs or from big towns. It's great to be up there with those clubs but we'll start the season as favourites to go down, but that's the way we like it."

Bedwas are without Chris Brown (stomach virus) and include just one newcomer in former Llanharan flanker Phil Wheeler.

Newbridge, without the injured Matthew Taylor (pulled leg muscle), and Gareth Bisp (broken knuckle), field five newcomers among the backs and one up front.

Bedwas: A James; S Sankala, M Price, A Harrison, N Hill; P Williams, R Phillips; J Tilley, L Pearce, J Salter, R Edwards, N Jones, O Ankers, P Wheeler, D Mattravers. Replacements: J Price, A Williams, M Davies, R Howells, L Taylor, W Bray, J Welch.

Newbridge: C Wills; M Addis, N Lewis, G Turner, N McKim; R Watts, A Beavan; A Oliver, L Davies, P Taylor, W Sims, A Edwards, G Gladwyn, D Cooper, M Griffin. Replacements: C Fitzpatrick, D Williams, C Blunsdon, S Greedy, M Ackerman,G Baber, J Williams. Meet 1pm.