PONTYPRIDD v NEWPORT (Tonight, KO 7.15)

NEWPORT will be looking to repeat their league heroics way back in October when they face defending league champions Pontypridd away tonight.

The Black and Ambers are the only side to inflict defeat on the hosts in the Premiership this season.

Newport toppled Ponty at Rodney Parade back in late October, holding off a late rally to beat them by a point after the hosts had racked up a 20-0 lead in what developed into a thrilling affair.

Tonight’s visitors will also be seeking to bounce back from a bitterly disappointing Swalec Cup defeat to Swansea at home last Saturday. The Black and Ambers were dumped out of the competition 17-14 by the All Whites despite being strongly favoured to progress into the next round.

Winning at Sardis Road is a difficult task at the best of times, so they will be up against it this evening.

Newport haven’t toasted a victory in the Premiership in over three months since they toppled Neath 19-9 at The Gnoll in November.

Since that game, they have won just once in nine games – and that was against Championship minnows Bonymaen 95-14 during a record cup win.

Pontypridd in contrast are flying high and fighting on two fronts after they swept aside Tata Steel 43-6 in the Swalec Cup last weekend.

Pride is all Newport have left to play for this season and a gutsy display at the ‘House of Pain’ is a good a place to start as any.