Newport 24-15 Pontypridd

Pontypridd applied the early pressure, showing up strongly in the set pieces and dominating territorially but unable to make a breakthrough.

Making a rare incursion into opposition territory it was Newport who eventually broke the deadlock, scrum half James Leadbeater aiming a penalty between the posts with fifteen minutes gone.

Ponty resumed in attacking mode with centre Dafydd Lockyer breaking the gain line and setting up a field position for outside half Simon Humberstone to successfully convert a penalty. Newport were now building up some momentum, and wind assisted, making headway upfield.

An intense period of pressure ensued right on the visitors’ line, with Ponty wing Chris Clayton dispatched to the sin bin for infringing at a ruck. Just as Ponty looked to break out of defence Newport once more counter advanced, playing through many phases to put no8 Hywel Stoddart over for an overlap try which Leadbeater converted.

The home side continued to make the most of their opportunities, seizing an interception for lock Adam Frampton to cruise in for a try, the conversion from Leadbeater bringing up an interval score-line of 17pts to 3.

It was déjà vu as the second period commenced, Ponty forging an attack through scrum half Lewis Jones but Newport wing Alan Awcock intercepting to race clear for a try which Leadbeater again converted.

A shell shocked Pontypridd side attempted to claw their way back into contention, but committing errors, and with Newport always a threat on the counter offensive. With replacement scrum half Rhys Downes generating momentum, Ponty applied pressure in the home half going into the final quarter, and were rewarded as prop Ryan Harford burrowed over from a driving line out, his try well converted by Humberstone.

The visitors repeated the ploy of kicking for the corners and driving on from the set pieces, and to good effect as winger Chris Clayton squeezed in for a try in the corner, but Humberstone’s wide angle conversion rebounding off a post.

As a lengthy period of injury time ensued, Ponty continued to press forward but lacking the composure to secure another score, Newport holding out for victory by a margin of 24pts to 15.

Pontypridd:

15.Adam Thomas. 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey (Gareth Waytt). 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Lewis Jones (Rhys Downes).

1.Chris Phillips (Stuart Williams). 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer (Ryan Harford). 4.Ryan Savage. 5.Chris Dicomidis – cpt. 6.Jake Thomas (Craig Locke). 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Owen Sheppeard.

Scorers: