PONTYPOOL are hoping that a clash with Newport can once again breathe life into their battle against the drop, writes Chris Kirwan.

A penalty by Sam Mills in the last minute helped Pooler to a 12-9 home win in March and proved to be the catalyst in last season’s great escape.

The basement club are in need of a similar shot in the arm this campaign, though they head into tomorrow’s game at Rodney Parade on the back of an encouraging display.

They may have been denied victory at Bedwas last weekend but four tries and two bonus points from the 35-31 loss has kept their rivals at the bottom well within reach.

Motivation won’t be a problem for Pooler against their Gwent rivals and one man who is all too aware of the fiery nature of the derby is their club captain.

Leighton Jones has played for both teams and was sent off for fighting with former front row team mate Julian Viner when playing for the Black and Ambers against Pontypool in 2005.

“The Pontypool-Newport fixture always has a bit of added spice and last season it came at the right time for us,” said the hooker, who is helping out on the coaching front while sidelined with a neck problem.

“It really got us on a bit of a roll and hopefully it can do the same again this season.

“Newport have got plenty of dangerous runners in the backs so we have got to be careful with our kicking and avoid giving them plenty of possession.

“We have also got to be strong up front and as aggressive as we can to try and rattle them.

“We played some really good rugby at Bedwas but also paid the price for playing in the wrong part of the field. We can’t afford to do that this weekend.”

Newport were made to work hard for last weekend’s 27-18 win over Llandovery – the Drovers led 18-3 at the break – and head coach Sven Cronk hopes it will be ideal preparation for tomorrow’s derby battle.

“We had a hell of a lot to do and showed a lot of commitment and character to do that,” he said.

“We played some good stuff early on but the contact area was a mess and we had to adapt to the ref.

“The key thing for us is being patient. We need to stop looking for the money ball and we have to build through the phases and be composed.

“Pooler will be strong up front with a big, physical pack but to be fair they are also trying to play attacking rugby, as they showed at Bedwas. We just need to hold onto the ball and wait for the opportunities to come.”

Both sides are hard hit by injuries though Newport have been boosted by the return of influential wing Mike Poole and by back rows Paul Williams and Andrew Coombs coming through fitness tests.

Pooler welcome back flankers Cae Trayhern and Geraint Morris but they have to be content with a place on the bench.

Newport Gwent Dragons number eight Grant Webb starts for Pooler while his regional team mate Alex Walker starts at scrum half for Newport with fly-half Shaun Connor on the bench.

Newport: G Wyatt, A Awcock, N Williams, S Williams, M Poole, C Wannell, A Walker, D Pattison, A Brown, L Hunter, D Rosser, A Jones, S Waldron, P Williams, A Coombs (captain). Replacements: M Leaman, I Evans, M Workman, R Dale, D James, S Connor, A Quick.

Pontypool: G O’Driscoll, N Williams, D Robinson, P Price, D Connolly, S Mills (captain), T Edwards, N Giles, R Buckley, N Blake, R Bowen, S Pailor, M Allen, R Watkins, G Webb. Replacements: C Morgan, G John, C Trayhern, G Morris, D Critchley, J Jeune, L Davies.