EBBW Vale coach Gareth Nicholas admits that Saturday's Welsh Premier Division curtain-raiser against Pontypridd has come too soon for his side.

Vale take on Pontypridd at Eugene Cross Park and Nicholas feels his side could have done with another fortnight before returning to competitive action.

But the former Caerphilly coach insists his side will still be a tough test for Pontypridd.

"Pre-season has gone really well and we've been improving with each game," said Nicholas.

"We've won one game and lost two but you can't read too much into these results as the score is secondary to the performance.

"In terms of performance I've been pleased but our fitness isn't as good as it could be and there are still things I would have liked to have worked on, but I'm happy with my squad and I'm sure we'll be a tough a test for anyone is the division."

Nicholas has recruited heavily in the summer following the introduction of regional rugby.

And the schoolteacher feels he has a good mix of youth and experience in his squad.

"I'm very excited by my squad and am looking forward to the new season," he said.

"I've had a bit of time out of the game and it's only now that I've really come to appreciate how much I missed it.

"Ever since Monday I've been nervous and Saturday will be a good yardstick for us.

"We've got a good mix in this squad. Academy players such as Rhys Williams and Kieran Crawford will be useful for us as will the experience of Gareth Betts and Byron Hayward.

"But then there are also people such as Michael Scudamore and Leigh McPherson, so I'm very happy."

With the newly-formed regional squad finally confirmed as Newport Gwent Dragons, Nicholas says he is happy for his side to contribute to the new region.

"It's time for everyone to stop being so selfish," said Nicholas.

"There needs to be less self interest for the good of the regional set-up and this will eventually help the national side."

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlin, S Horner, M Griffiths, T Bagg, I Higgins, B Hayward, G Betts, L Davies, K Crawford, K Gay, K Faletau, R Clark, G Green, M Tuipulotu, M Scudamore. Replacements: C Kinsey, L Williams, H Jones, R Aylett, R Williams, D Phillips, R Addis. Kick-off 2.30pm.