PONTYPOOL coach Steve Jones today poured cold water on claims tomorrow's big clash with Aberavon will have a bearing on this season's Welsh First Division title.

A bumper crowd is expected at Pontypool Park as Pontypool bid to start the season with a bang in more ways than one.

Not only are they out to topple last season's champions but they aim to celebrate the start of the new campaign with fireworks and the release of thousands of balloons at their Open Day.

But of the match, coach Steve Jones said: "For the past two seasons we have been relegation favourites and have finished near the top. Now people are claiming we are title contenders with Aberavon, so you'll forgive me if I don't buy into such claims.

"We have made a number of signings, but they still have to gel together and some may be surprised at life in Division One. And we have also lost one or two influential players. But we do start the campaign with confidence."

It is twenty years since Aberavon won at Pontypool Park and both Jones and opposite number Chris O'Callaghan were apparently in opposition that day.

"I don't ever remember losing to Aberavon at the Park," joked Jones, "but I have respect for Chris. He's a wise old dog and will have his team well organised."

Jones is concerned about injuries to experienced props Alan Phillips (back) and Christian Johnson (groin). Full back David Smith is still having the knee problems which kept him out last season.

Pontypool include former Ebbw Vale backs Stephen John and Jonathan Hawker as their centre partnership tomorrow and have experienced new half backs in Byron Hayward and Nicky Lloyd.

Ex-Vale skipper Mark Jones figures in the back row and with Kuli Faletau and Mike Powell in the second row and Lenny Woodard on the left wing, they include eight newcomers.

Arthur Howarth has signed forms to transfer from Cross Keys.

Pontypool: J Griffin, D Manley, S John, J Hawker, L Woodard, B Hayward, N Lloyd, G Gunter, L Jones, U Moa, K Faletau, M Powell, H Jones, M Taylor, A Lloyd. Replacements to be named. All squad attend ground 12.45pm. Kick-off 2.30pm. Non season-ticket holders £5 entry to any part of ground.