A POTENTIAL Gwent derby showdown for the final British and Irish Cup place hasn’t even been mentioned at Rodney Parade as Newport prepare to host Tonmawr.

Cross Keys lie in wait for the winners of tomorrow’s clash at the Parade with Newport favourites to set up what would be a tantalising derby battle.

But Pandy Park has not been on the agenda for the Black and Ambers, and wisely so given the way that Tonmawr have taken to life in the Premiership.

The Pitmen finished eighth in the table, beat Newport at the Whitworth Ground and were denied victory at the Parade by some frantic home defending at the death.

“There is no chance of us getting ahead of ourselves,” said Newport head coach Sven Cronk. “We haven’t looked at Cross Keys and we will pay Tonmawr the respect they deserve.

“They have had a terrific first season in the Premiership and they are well coached by Jason Hyatt.

“He is heading off to Swansea next season so there is no doubt that he will be determined for them to sign off in the best way possible.

“But it’s our last home game of the season and we want to finish on a high. We haven’t lost at Rodney Parade since early November and we want to keep it that way.”

Some teams have been reluctant participants in the British and Irish Cup, choosing to play fringe players and rest their big guns, but the cross-border competition is a big motivation for the Black and Ambers.

“The boys have enjoyed their British and Irish Cup games and have come up with some good wins,” said Cronk.

“We beat the Cornish Pirates this season, and they are in the final of the English Championship, while we had the wins against Leinster and Exeter the year before.

“But you can’t live off past memories and the tournament is something that we want to be involved in so that we can have some more nights like those.”

Newport are without full-back Alan Awcock and full-back/fly-half Rhys Jones, who have failed to recover from injury in time, while wing Matthew Pewtner is on holiday.

One man who will feature, however, is 31-year-old number 10 Gareth Bowen who has been in top form since arriving from Ebbw Vale and has been rewarded with a contract for next season.

“Gareth has been an excellent signing for us and his experience will be important in a cup match atmosphere,” said Cronk.