NEWPORT hope that intense training ground graft will help them beat fellow strugglers Bridgend to climb off the bottom of the Principality Premiership after three weeks on the sidelines since a stunning success against title contenders, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers were denied the chance to build on a super 25-21 win against Carmarthen Quins by their frustrating fixture list.

They haven't played since January 17 – yet another break in a bonkers schedule – and dropped back to last place when the Ravens surprised Pontypridd at the Brewery Field last weekend. It leaves Newport needing another victory to avoid being cut adrift.

"They have all been big games recently and we want to carry on where we left off against Carmarthen Quins," said head coach Sven Cronk.

"We played very well that afternoon and hopefully we will hit the ground running because although the momentum has dipped because of the lack of game we have been training really hard."

The Ravens stunned the champions 23-17 last week and triumphed 29-25 when the Black and Ambers headed west in October.

"They harassed Pontypridd and forced them into mistakes," said Cronk. "Bridgend have a well-drilled pack but also like to play.

"They have good width to their game and have strong finishers. So do we but we can't enter into a free-for-all and have to play in the right areas."

Newport are down to the bare bones in the back row with Brendan Lampitt sidelined by injury, Ollie Griffiths on Under-20s duty and Sam Cross with Wales sevens.

"Ollie and Sam were superb against the Quins but we are still upbeat and the boys coming in have to step up," said Cronk, who will select Ross Gibbon, Sam Feehan and Rhys Jenkins.

Centres Nathan Edwards and Dom Franchi are back from injury while the Black and Ambers are hopeful of being bolstered by the presence of a Dragons prop.