PONTYPRIDD have reigned supreme in the Principality Premiership for the last three seasons yet Newport will attempt to extend the champions' miserable streak at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.15pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers have won the last three encounters with Ponty in Newport, triumphing 24-15 in March of 2012, 20-19 in October later that year and 35-22 when the teams met in April.

Last season's success came when Pontypridd were resting players ahead of their British and Irish Cup semi-final against Leinster A but no win against the men from Sardis Road is to be sniffed at.

And Newport could do with another shock win against the champions after a chastening few weeks that has seen them drubbed 31-12 by Cross Keys in a BIC qualifier and thrashed 44-10 by Carmarthen Quins in Saturday's league opener.

"Our record against Pontypridd counts for nothing because we had done well in Carmarthen before last weekend," said head coach Sven Cronk.

"We need to be a lot better than we were against the Quins because we only won nine of our 27 set pieces.

"We were in a muddle at the lineout and were pushed back at the scrum. The set piece is the heartbeat of any side but we just weren't good enough.

"The basics of our game need to be a hell of a lot better against Ponty, who are the side that everyone aspires to be, and I expect better given that it's our first game at home against the champions."

Newport are still without centre Dan Robinson, who has a neck problem, while flanker Sam Cross is on Wales sevens duty.

Pontypridd started the defence of their title by thrashing Neath 38-7 at Sardis Road.

- The fourth annual Rodney Parade beer festival takes place this weekend.

The Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have organised the event that features over 25 real ales and ciders as well as live music.

The festival is running in a marquee between the stadium and clubhouse from 3pm to 11pm tomorrow and from 11am to 11pm on Saturday, with Newport Gwent Dragons taking on Glasgow at 2.40pm.