Geraint Lewis’ side applied early pressure, full back Aled Summerhill going close to scoring but when Rhys Williams intercepted a loose pass, it was the Quins who took a 7-0 lead, Craig Evans adding the conversion.
Pontypridd hit back through a Dai Flanagan penalty and with the visitors continuing to be penalised, full back Ellis Phillips was soon yellow carded. The home side made the most of their extra man almost immediately to seize control, centres Geraint Walsh and Dafydd Lockyer crossing for quick-fire scores. And with Flanagan adding both sets of extras, the home side led 24-7 at the break.
Quins needed a fast start to the second half but when Walsh added his second, the visitors were up against it. Evans then converted a try of his own but with replacement Garyn Smith crossing late on, Pontypridd claimed a vital win to celebrate Craig Locke’s 100th appearance for the club.
Elsewhere, Bedwas continued their recent good form as a hat-trick from winger Elliot Jones secured a 32-23 win over Aberavon. Harley Thomson was also on the score sheet at the Bridge Field but the Wizards refused to go away. Evan Yardley and David Pritchard both crossed for the visitors but it was Bedwas who drew clear.
At Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff made amends for their defeat to Bridgend earlier this season with a 27-21 victory over the Ravens. The Blue and Blacks led 17-11 at half time, outscoring their opponents by two tries to one, with Tom Slater and James Loxton their scorers. The second half was equally as tight but Loxton’s second of the afternoon proved key.
In the other games to take place, there were wins for both Scarlets based clubs as Llandovery and Llanelli got the better of Swansea and Cross Keys respectively. The win for the Drovers puts Swansea eight points from safety while Llanelli remain six points clear of Keys.
At Rodney Parade, Newport were 20-3 winners over Neath with left wing Owen Broad’s brace doing the damage.
Principality Premiership results:
Bedwas 32-23 Aberavon
Cardiff 27-21 Bridgend
Llandovery 24-15 Swansea
Llanelli 36-21 Cross Keys
Newport 20-3 Neath
Pontypridd 34-14 Carmarthen
