SUNDAY, May 13, 2001 is, as all Newport supporters will tell you, a special date in their club’s history.

It was on that day nearly 16 years ago that then Black and Ambers skipper Gary Teichmann held aloft the Principality Cup at the Millennium Stadium.

But, as Newport fans know, Sunday, May 13, 2001 was also the day the Rodney Parade outfit last won Welsh club rugby’s top knockout competition.

Since that 13-8 victory over Neath, Newport have made just one final, a 32-9 reverse to Llanelli in 2003.

With that in mind, current head coach Craig Warlow, a cup winner with the Scarlets against Ebbw Vale in 1998, is hoping the tide will finally turn this year.

Newport kick-off this season’s WRU National Cup on Wednesday night when Swansea, the club that thrashed Warlow’s Llanelli in the 1999 final, travel to Rodney Parade (7.30pm).

Given the results of both sides during the first half of the Principality Premiership, the hosts will start the first round tie as favourites.

Newport missed out on a place in the league’s top eight for the second part of the season by nine points – Swansea finished bottom of the table 20 points further back.

“We’re out of the Foster’s Cup now and that was one thing we did want to progress in,” said Warlow when assessing what his Newport side have left to play for this term.

“We’ve got the National Cup now and we’re obviously setting our sights on doing well in tier two of the league.

“Lifting a trophy at the Principality Stadium isn’t something many people can say they have done, and I can’t remember Newport being involved in any final since 2003.

“They may have got to the quarters or semis but we need to raise our profile and stir some interest in the city, and going on a cup run will hopefully do that.

“We have got a huge amount of talent in the squad and they deserve to fulfil that potential – what better way to do it than with a good run in the cup?”

He added: “I can’t speak too much about Swansea but we know they are going to come and scrap for all they’re worth.

“This is a chance for us to start a cup run but it’s also a chance for them.

“We are fully aware they are targeting this game and will give everything they’ve got.

“But I’m confident in our ability to play at a high intensity and get the result.”

Injured duo Brendan Lampitt and Owen Williams remain sidelined for the Black and Ambers but Will Evans is back after returning against Bedwas last week.