A length of the field try by left wing Joe Davies was the highlight for Ponty, converted by Dale Stuckey. Ieuan Davies and Ioan Evans also scored for the Valley Commandos, with Evans also sending over two conversions and three penalties.
Joel Gilbert, Aneurin Paterson, Cian Jones and Josh Thomas scored for Newbridge, with Eamonn Rees adding the extras to the latter’s try.
“We spoke before the game about coming up here and just taking a win. I would have taken 3-0 before the game because I knew it was going to be a tough test,” said Pontypridd player-coach Kristian Parker.
“Newbridge are a really good outfit, well drilled, they’ve got a big set piece and especially with the weather and the ground a bit soft, we knew what to expect from them – and they went the full 80 against us to be fair.
“In the huddle after the game the boys spoke saying this league isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows every week playing on fast 4Gs – you’re going to have to go to places and slog it out.
“The togetherness we’ve got in the squad at the minute is probably the best squad I’ve seen in terms of tightness and that’s what gets us through games – and we’re really happy with that.”
Meanwhile, wing Fin Baker ran in a hat-trick of tries to inspire Merthyr to a thumping 62-14 triumph at Ystrad Rhondda. Flanker Daniel Phillips was at the double while Adam Hoskins, Rhys Lewis, Ben Jones and Ellis Shipp were the other scorers for Merthyr – who were also awarded a penalty try.
Ben Jones sent over four conversions and Rhys Davies one. Kurtis Williams and Cavan Davies scored for the home side, both converted by Lewis Williams.
The win takes Merthyr up into second above Neath who slipped to a 30-14 reverse at Cross Keys. Louis Pullen and Dan Babos were among the Keys try scorers with skipper Corey Nicholls also making his 100th appearance for the club.
Casey Williams and Matthew Jenkins replied with tries for Neath, both converted by Steff Williams. Neath are now seven points behind league leaders Ponty having played one game more, while Merthyr are five points behind in second with a game in hand.
Llangennech climbed out of the bottom two after seeing off Narberth 28-8. Jordan Saunders, Luke Davies, Gareth George and Callum Jenkins were the Llangennech try scorers. Steff Marshall added a conversion and two penalties.
Callum Jenkins scored for Narberth, with Jonathan Rogers kicking a penalty, but defeat for the Otters sees them slip into the drop zone.
Bottom side Newcastle Emlyn pulled off a morale boosting 27-21 home win over Brecon while Bargoed got the better of Cardiff Met 19-7.
Louis Tovey, Keegan Bale and Rhys Stephens were the Bargoed try scorers with Josh Prosser kicking two conversions. Gus Patterson got the Met try, converted by Tom Howlett.
