Scrum-half Luke Crane played a starring role with two tries for Hobbs’ men as they made it five wins from six games in the Premiership Cup so far.
“It was a really tough contest and very physical. There was a big wind which had a big effect on the game. We struggled to get out of our half in the first half,” Hobbs said.
“When we had chances, we managed to take them and what’s pleasing at the moment is we’re managing to score tries in a variety of different ways. We have a lot of depth in the squad.
“We’re building quite nicely.”
Newport led 14-6 at the break at Spytty Park despite the wind being in Pontypridd’s favour.
Bradley Roderick made an impressive start for the visitors with some powerful running and carrying and Ben Burnell gave Pontypridd the lead with a penalty in the 16th minute.
But Newport hit back through Crane who scored a terrific try with a darting run which left the away defence all at sea. Will Reed converted.
Burnell booted a second penalty in the 24th minute and Reed missed with a penalty attempt before Crane made it two for the afternoon. This time he benefitted from some slick passing from his back-line, the move featuring one lovely reverse pass. Reed added the extras.
Burnell missed a penalty attempt to narrow Pontypridd’s gap before the break.
Referee Jason Bessant had to be replaced by one of his assistants for the start of the second half after pulling a muscle. Pontypridd players had to fill in to cover the touchline.
Reed missed another kick at goal but he finally got his radar working to make it 17-6 and leave Pontypridd with it all to do in their search of a comeback.
The visitors needed to do something quickly and they did. Wing Dale Stuckey continued his season of fine form by sneaking into the corner after multiple phases of play.
Burnell missed the kick and a penalty from Reed and a late converted try from Josh Skinner made the game safe for Newport.
Veteran Pontypridd lock Chris Dicomidis said: “We knew it was going to be a tough ask coming to Newport. To be fair to them they have been superb this season and the only loss they’ve had was coming to us.
“Even then that could have gone either way. I thought we were in control in the first 20 minutes and we knew we had the wind behind us so we needed points.
“They scored twice which was disappointing so we were chasing the game in the second half. Credit to the boys, we kept the ball playing into the wind and threw it about a bit, but we’ve come away with nothing.”
Merthyr were 20-16 winners away at Ebbw Vale, but a fourth straight defeat hasn’t stopped Steelmen head coach Greg Woods from smiling.
He believes the young Ebbw players he is giving a chance in the Premiership Cup will go on to big things and are learning the hard way right now.
“It was disappointing to come away with only a bonus point,” he said after the loss to the Ironmen.
“Although we struggled at the set-piece against a very good and heavy Merthyr pack, we showed real intent in attack and I was pleased with an improved performance from last week in terms of intensity and defence.
“To have seven players under 20 in the match-day squad and for them to shine and play really well was pleasing.
“Special mentions for Joe Westwood, Joe Peard and Ben Moa who played well and are taking to senior rugby superbly. I’ve never been so excited – it’s one hell of a group.
“Considering they have only played a handful of adult rugby games they will be a special group if they keep progressing and performing.”
Merthyr got off to the ideal start. Dan Wall’s try, which was converted by Gareth Thompson, gave the Ironmen an early lead.
Shortly after though, fly-half Thompson was yellow carded and the resulting penalty was kicked by Ebbw Vale’s Ryan Evans.
Merthyr hit back with a penalty of their own in the 20th minute which was kicked by Rhys Davies. Sam Jones’ try in the 28th minute extended Merthyr’s lead, but an Ebbw penalty, this time from Joe Westwood just before the break, meant the score was 15-6 at half time.
Ebbw reduced the deficit with Westwood’s second penalty of the game. However, with a Merthyr try from Davies in the 60th minute, the writing was on the wall for Ebbw.
Closing an 11-point gap with just 20 minutes to play was always going to be a big ask.
A consolation converted try in the 78th minute from former Wales and Dragons wing Dafydd Howells ultimately proved too little too late.
Cardiff overturned a half-time deficit to beat RGC 1404 15-8 in Colwyn Bay.
The opening try came 15 minutes into the first half for the home side.
RGC’s Brodie Coghlan broke through Cardiff’s defence and passed to Kieran Henry who dived in at the corner.
The score stayed at 5-0 after a failed conversion.
After the restart, Cardiff suffered another blow as former Wales Sevens ace George Gasson was forced off injured and had to be replaced by Cameron Winnett.
Moments later, RGC got points on the board after a penalty in front of the posts was dispatched by Dion Jones.
At 8-0 Cardiff needed some possession. After going through the phases, Cardiff’s Ben Murphy was able to break through for a try. Another missed conversion kept the score at 8-5 at half time.
Cardiff started the second period by putting more pressure on the home side. A line-out deep in their opponent’s half led to some impressive defending by RGC close to their try line.
This was short lived as the away side managed to get through and secure another five points thanks to Sam Moore. A conversion by Jack Maynard put Cardiff 8-12 up.
Minutes later the away side were given another penalty after RGC did not release.
Only just into their own half, Cardiff’s Jacob Beetham kicked long and secured three points to complete the win.
