NEWPORT can end a tough week on a high with a win at Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm), although Gwent rivals Cross Keys will undoubtedly have something to say about that.

The Black and Ambers must be feeling the rugby gods are against them at the moment, with Tuesday’s last-gasp league defeat to Bedwas following their cup final heartache of 48 hours earlier.

Coming back from that 41-7 thrashing by Merthyr in the grand setting of the Principality Stadium to only lose in the final seconds at Bridge Field showed tremendous character.

Eleven who played a part in the National Cup trouncing were involved in the Principality Premiership fixture, a sign for boss Craig Warlow that his troops wanted to get back on the bike as soon as possible.

Newport have three games left this season, and while they are out of the running for league honours, Warlow’s men could yet play a big part in the destiny of the title.

The Premiership trophy appears to be staying with Merthyr, who hold a one-point advantage over Carmarthen Quins but with two matches in hand.

Pontypridd, RGC 1404 and even Bedwas in fifth will feel they are not out of the race, though tough trips to Ebbw Vale on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm) and Llanelli make them big outsiders.

After the clash with Keys, Newport host Pontypridd next Tuesday and then travel north to RGC four days later.

As for Keys, back-to-back losses to Bedwas and Bridgend, the latter at home on Tuesday, suggests their focus is on recharging the batteries and getting ready for the 2018/19 campaign.

They round off the season with three home games, against Pontypridd, Llanelli and Ebbw Vale, following tomorrow’s derby encounter.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that last month’s abandoned fixture between Bargoed and Ebbw Vale won’t be replayed and the result will stand.

The Steelmen were leading 15-3 when the referee ended proceedings at half-time after a spectator suffered a cardiac arrest.

Elsewhere in the Premiership tomorrow, Bridgend host Bargoed, Llandovery entertain Carmarthen Quins, Cardiff go to Pontypridd and the big one is in Colwyn Bay where RGC face Merthyr.