Pontypridd had the boot of world-record points-scorer Neil Jenkins to thank as they opened their Welsh Premiership campaign with a narrow victory over old rivals Cardiff.

The only try of the night came for the visitors' full-back Rhys Williams, but Jenkins' kicks were enough to see the home team to a dour win.

It was a match dominated by the filthy conditions at Sardis Road, driving rain that continued throughout the game leaving the pitch a quagmire.

In such an encounter the victory predictably went to the team with the strongest scrum - and the unnerring boot of Jenkins.

Match details:

Pontypridd Pens: N Jenkins (4) Cardiff Try: R Williams Con: I Harris Pen: Harris

To their credit, Ponty were trying to play rugby in the appalling conditions. Jenkins opened the scoring with an early penalty, and soon after Cardiff flanker Rob Appleyard was sin binned after throwing a punch.

Brett Davey nearly made it over in the corner for a try, only to be denied by a superb Rhys Williams tackle.

But the visitors were under pressure, particularly at the scrum, and Jenkins punished them with another two penalties.

The game was descending into farce in the shocking conditions when a 37th-minute try lightened the gloom.

A strong forward drive from the home side was ended when John Tait stole the ball and the big Canadian lock strode away from the Ponty defence.

Quick recycling saw the ball reach Rhys Williams who aquaplaned in from five metres.

Jenkins had the chance to extend his team's lead with the last kick of the first half, but the home crowd was stunned into silence when the Ginger Monster sent it wide.

Paul John gets the ball away to his backs

Both sides started the second period with fresh shirts, but the effect failed to last too long and the game continued in the same disjointed pattern.

Iestyn Harris missed a 51st-minute shot at goal, but it was Pontypridd who were on top for the most part. For the second time in the game they were denied a try at the corner flag, Gareth Wyatt's excellent sleight of hand giving half a chance to Jenkins.

The fly-half was successful with his fourth kick soon after as the gap opened to five points, and Cardiff hopes seemed to end in the 67th minute when Peter Rogers was sin binned for coming in at the side of a ruck.

But a Craig Morgan breakout led to a Harris penalty, leaving the Blue and Blacks just two points down going into the closing minutes.

However, Pontypridd were strong and experienced enough to play percentage rugby and close the game out.

Pontypridd: B Davey, G Wyatt, S Parker, J Bryant, E Lewis, N Jenkins, P John; G Jenkins, M Davies (capt), D Bell, B Cockbain, R Sidoli, W O'Connor, R Parks, M Owen.
Reps: G Baber, C Sweeney, J Lewis, M Rees, S Cronk, D McIntosh, G Lewis.

Cardiff: R Williams; A Sullivan, J Robinson, M Allen, C Morgan; I Harris, R Smith; P Rogers, L Collins, K Fourie, H Senekal, J Tait, R Appleyard, D Baugh, M Williams (capt).
Reps: D Young, L Tate, E Lewis, N Robinson, D Dewdney, T Payne, D van Vuuren.

Ref: Nigel Owens (Pontyberem).