The Black and Ambers enjoyed a greater share of early possession but Pontypridd soon claimed a turnover to launch a snap counter offensive. The home team were dominant in the scrums and scavenging for loose ball, giving outside half Simon Humberstone the opportunity to stroke over a fifth minute penalty.
That score was cancelled out by a penalty kicked by Newport full back Geraint O’Driscoll, reflecting a cagey opening to the game. Despite this, Pontypridd were creating the better chances, a charge down by James Howe almost leading to a score and some free flowing passages of play amongst the backs coming to nothing.
A clean break in midfield by Dafydd Lockyer then gave Pontypridd further momentum, a series of drives rounded off with a try claimed by full back Adam Thomas and converted from the touchline by Humberstone. The home team were now on top, with Humberstone kicking effectively for position though Newport did register points through another O’Driscoll penalty.
It meant at the break, Newport trailed by just four points.
Despite a narrow advantage, Pontypridd remained in the ascendancy as the second half got underway. The breakthrough eventually came good, continuity and support play allowing centre Gavin Dacey to cross for a try which was converted by Humberstone.
Newport worked their way back into contention, making cautious advances into the home twenty-two, with Pontypridd lock Lee Williams dispatched to the sin bin following a fracas. The Black and Ambers applied significant pressure and were eventually rewarded as, at the second time of asking, the fourth official verified a close range try claimed by prop Dai Pattison.
Dacey then added a second, again converted by Humberstone, though Newport were not to be outdone with Tom James replying 10 minutes from time.
The game was evenly balanced going into its final exchanges but Pontypridd moved up a gear once Newport prop Gethin Robinson was yellow carded.
And when hooker Rhys Williams and Tom Hetherington added late scores, the victory was complete.
