Montgomery got Newport started

Newport kept alive their hopes of a top-two finish in the Welsh Premiership with a narrow win over Pontypridd.

The visitors prevailed in a bad-tempered clash at Sardis Road despite making a slow start.

Pontypridd had the better of the early exchanges but in the ninth minute Newport took the lead against the run of play with a 45-metre penalty from Percy Montgomery.

Newport grew in confidence and increased their lead with a try from Andy Marinos, which was converted by Montgomery.

Neil Jenkins cut the gap with a 32-metre penalty, but Newport quickly responded with a gem of a try from Ben Breeze, again converted by Montgomery.

Right on the interval Jason Strange was yellow-carded and from the resulting penalty Jenkins kicked his second goal.

Pontypridd began the second half well and a break by Gareth Wyatt nearly produced a score.

The hosts continued on the attack and after much pressure near the line Geraint Lewis crossed under the posts and Jenkins converted.

In the 55th minute Jason Lewis was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. This let Newport off the hook and the visitors added another try through Alex Cadwalader.

In the closing stages Strange increased Newport's hold on the game with a penalty.

Pontypridd answered with a penalty try, Newport flanker Matt Veater being set off after a mass brawl from the collapsed maul.

Mefin Davies rounded off the scoring with a try, but 14-man Newport were able to hang on.

Newport: P Montgomery; A Cadwallader, N Brew, A Marinos, B Breeze; J Strange, D Llewellyn; D Pattison, J Richards, R Thomas, S Raiwalui (capt), I Gough, M Veater, A Powell, G Gravell.
Replacements: C Anthony, T Thomas, L Charteris / J Powell, R Jones, L Lane, S Williams, M Hook.

Ref: Neil Ballard (Cardiff)