Pontypridd claim first win of the season
Pontypridd overcame a strong Newport challenge to get their Celtic League hopes back on track with a battling 21-16 victory at Sardis Road.
Pontypridd got their first points on the board against Newport, with Richard Parks pulling the strings in a man-of-the-match performance.
The home side opened their account in the third minute with a Brett Davey penalty after a line-out offence on the Newport 22.
Pontypridd moved further ahead in the ninth minute when Newport were caught offside for Davey to kick the penalty and increased their lead immediately afterwards when Gareth Wyatt kicked from his own 22.
Newport full-back Howarth made a mistake by letting the ball bounce and John Bryant gathered to put Ceri Sweeney over in the corner.
In the 23rd minute Newport were awarded a penalty on the 22 for handling in the ruck and Jason Strange reduced the deficit.
Newport began to seize the momentum and Howarth kicked for the corner for right wing Nathan Palmer to cross wide. Strange converted from the touchline to bring Newport back to within a point at 11-10.
And the comeback was completed when Newport outside half Strange dropped a goal to put the visitors into a 13-11 lead at half-time.
On the resumption Pontypridd regained the lead when Bryant crashed over at the posts for Davey to convert.
In the 48th minute were awarded a penalty for an offence of the ruck. Strange kicked the goal to bring Newport back to within two points but Pontypridd hit back with a Davey penalty after Newport were penalised for not releasing.
