The Valley Commandos had to come from behind though after an 11-minute hat-trick from Keys winger Ralph Miller, two of them converted by Rhys Jones, had put the visitors 19-0 up with little more than 20 minutes played.
Ponty hit back with first a try from tighthead prop Morgan Bosanko – on his 100th club appearance – and then Evans, converted by Jaydan Pugh, cut the deficit to seven points by the break.
That was the way it stayed until the hour mark when four tries in a frantic seven-minute spell saw the match swing Ponty’s way, with wing Joe Davies and Evans both scoring twice. All four scores were converted by Pugh who also sent over a late penalty for good measure.
Despite defeat, a resilient Keys performance was rewarded with a try bonus point with Harvey Reader, converted by Elliott Martin-Drew, and Nathan Huish also grabbing tries for them in the second half.
The game also marked a milestone 200th appearance in Ponty colours for full-back Dale Stuckey – having first joined up with the club in the summer of 2014.
“It feels awesome, it’s such a great club” he said. “I’ve been here a long time now; after my 100th I didn’t think I’d make it this far but I’ve stuck at it. I’ve got two young kids now and it’s nice for them to be here and see me run out for my 200th.”
On the comeback win over Keys, Stuckey added: “It was a tough start, but the boys reacted well second half and showed what we’re about and really dug in.
“It just shows how close we are as a group. That togetherness is something we pride ourselves on as a team, we stuck at it – and it was great character from the boys to keep pushing.”
Merthyr remain nine points behind Ponty, with two games in hand, after winning 27-17 at second from bottom Narberth.
Fin Baker, Paddy McBride, Cole Swannack and Ellis Shipp scored for Merthyr who took advantage of Neath not playing to move back above them into second spot in the table. Ben Jones kicked seven points.
Harry Fuller scored twice in reply, with Josh Hamer also going over. Osian Evans added a conversion for the Otters – who remain two points from safety.
A full Premiership programme returns on Saturday with Pontypridd hosting Cardiff Met while Merthyr head to Bargoed. The Ironmen will go there determined to avenge their 39-35 defeat by Bargoed in the reverse fixture at the Wern back in October.
Neath visit Ystrad Rhondda, bottom club Newcastle Emlyn entertain Cross Keys, Narberth go to Newbridge while two sides just above the drop zone, Llangennech and Bonymaen, also go head-to-head.
Meanwhile this season’s WRU Premiership Cup semi-finals will take place on 1 March. Merthyr lock horns with Cross Keys at Bargoed Park while The Gnoll in Neath will host the other semi between Pontypridd and Newbridge.
