THE Principality Cup has been kind to Newbridge in recent seasons and they are hoping that will continue as they prepare to host fellow First Division side Rumney in round five tomorrow.

In the past two season, they have come through the fifth and sixth rounds to land plum home ties against Llanelli and Bridgend respectively.

And back in season 1997-98 they came through for another lucrative home fixture against Cardiff.

"We have been fortunate to have some good draws," said backs coach Jonathan Westwood. "They've been good days for the club and the players have obviously enjoyed them.

"The cup remains very important and we'd love to do well and have the opportunity of another plum tie.

"But to do so we need to improve. We have not been training well for various reasons and that has been reflected in our recent performances on a Saturday.

"We seem to be playing badly and winning at the moment but can't rely on that and have to do better."

Newbridge have already defeated struggling opponents Rumney 32-21 away in the league this season and also defeated them 34-0 at home in round five two seasons ago, though beaten at Rumney in the cup the year before.

"They have some quality players and I can't understand the position they are in (bottom but one in Division One with just one success)," added Westwood.

"The cup will come as a break for them and there's always the risk they will play better in a one-off game like this, but at the same time in view of their league position it could be a hindrance they could do without.

"Obviously, if we lost to Rumney at home in their current situation I'd be very disappointed. But if we play to our potential, it shouldn't be a problem."

Full back Huw Lock makes an earlier than expected return while prop Andrew Oliver also come into the Newbridge side, but skipper Damien Cooper is out with a leg injury.

Newbridge: H Lock, P Collett, S Webley, A Green, N McKim, J Williams, M Taylor, A Oliver, D Williams, P Taylor, M Peard, A Edwards, M Ackerman, S Greedy, G Gladwyn. Replacements from rest of squad. Kick-off 2.30pm.