PENZANCE are expecting a bumper crowd of 5,000 tonight as Gwent Dragons play their first game (7pm).

The Cornwall club, who have been promoted twice in the last two seasons, normally attract around 2,000 people.

But the combination of holidaymakers and the local public keen to watch the Dragons has resulted in the English First Division club having to prepare for nearly double their average gate.

And despite the Dragons being somewhat depleted and without seven key players, Penzance chief executive Martin Scrase is delighted Mike Ruddock's side will be playing their first fixture at Mennaye Field.

He said: "The interest in this game has been huge and everyone is excited about the prospect of the Dragons playing their first ever match here.

"It's obviously a shame that they won't have people like Percy Montgomery and their Welsh contingent, but their team is still strong and we're looking forward to it.

"We hope that they are taking this game seriously as we're fielding our strongest team and will want to win this."

Penzance are coached by former Wales, Pontypool and Newport lock Kevin Moseley who Gwent coach Ruddock (pictured) knows will have his troops fired up for the game.

"I know Kevin quite well and I know how he will have prepared his side for this match," said Ruddock.

"They are a very fierce and competitive side and he's done a great job there.

"They've recruited strongly in the summer, bringing in 11 new faces and are ambitious.

"In terms of financial backing they are very strong and remind me a bit of Leeds in that respect.

"Two successive promotions speak for themselves and they are really going places."

Penzance: V Olonga, R Thirlby, S Evans, M Fatiolota, J Hawkins, J Shanahan, R Pillow, A Paver, J Owen, D Seal, R Carroll, L Soper, V Ma-si, J Bearman (captain), L Waqanivere

Gwent: B Davey, K James, R Shorney, S Winn, B Breeze, L Jarvis, B Shelbourne, A Black, P Young, C Anthony, P Sidoli, L Charteris, J Ringer, S van Rensburg, J Forster (captain).