Pontypridd enhanced their chances of securing a place in the Heineken Cup next season when they completed the double evening over Caerphilly at Virginia Park.

But it was hard work in the mud for a Pontypridd side that relied heavily on the boot of fly-half Lee Jarvis.

Jarvis converted their only try and kicked four penalties from six attempts for a personal points tally of 14.

Caerphilly, who are just two places off the foot of the Welsh/Scottish League with only Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys below them made a sensational start when full-back Justin Thomas burst over for a fine unconverted try.

But three penalties by Jarvis before the break put Pontypridd 9-5 in front.

One man show

They increased that advantage when their Tongan prop Nalu Tau charged over in the 68th minute for a try which Jarvis converted.

Scrum-half Andrew Jacobs scored a second try for Caerphilly which Chris John converted from the touchline but it was Pontypridd who had the final say with Jarvis putting over his fourth penalty in injury time.

Caerphilly actually outscored Pontypridd on the try-count but the boot of Jarvis was the difference between the two sides.

Scorers - Caerphilly: Tries: J. Thomas, Jacobs. Cons: John.

Pontypridd: Tries: Ta'u. Cons: Jarvis. Pens: Jarvis 4.

Teams - Caerphilly: J Thomas, N Berbillion, D Hawkins, R Boobyer, S Marshall, C John, A Jacobs, M Bolton, J Hughes, M Wilson, M Workman, N Watkins, B Watkins, A Momecltua, K Hocking.
Replacements: C Bridges, G Evans, G Jones, N Jones, G Thomas, M Williams, A Jones.

Pontypridd: B Davey, R Johnson, J Lewis, J Bryant, L Woodard, L Jarvis, P John(capt), S Cronk, J Evans, N Ta'u, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, D McIntosh, M Owen, R Field.
Replacements: R Neville, C Sweeney, S Parker, F Vunipola, B Graham, M Lloyd, W James.

Att: 1,000.

Referee: Huw Lewis (WRU).