Wing Joe Davies’ unconverted try after just 33 seconds gave the Valley Commandos the perfect start in Pembrokeshire, but they found themselves trailing 10-5 at the break. Centre Harrison Griffiths scored a try for the Otters, converted by Osian Evans – who also landed with a drop goal.
George Thorrington’s try for the visitors, again unconverted, pulled them level just before the hour before Symes’ penalty on 67 minutes edged them back in front. Jonathan Rogers then kicked a penalty four minutes later to level matters 13-13 but it was the visitors – and Symes – who had the final word at the Lewis Lloyd Ground.
“We made it hard for ourselves,” said Ponty skipper Cally James. “We scored a quick first try but, fair play to Narberth, they came back at us with everything and at half time we were looking for a couple of answers I think.
“It feels like we say it every week but there’s no easy game in this league and it’s just getting tougher at the moment. “The longer you’re towards the top there’s a target on your back, so we expect it every week and it’s just finding ways to combat it.”
The win takes Ponty nine points clear of Merthyr – who were not in action – although the latter do now have two games in hand.
Neath moved back up into second spot after their 54-13 defeat of bottom side Newcastle Emlyn. Flanker Casey Williams and scrum-half Connor Tantum were both at the double, with winger Matthew Jenkins, full-back Iestyn Morgan, lock Matthew Davies and replacement outside half George Richards also going over for the Welsh All Blacks in their eight tries to one victory.
Steff Williams kicked seven conversions for the Welsh All Blacks, while Emlyn, on what was their first visit to The Gnoll, at least had thr satisfaction of taking an early lead through Llyr Jones’ try, converted by Steff Evans – who also kicked two penalties.
Neath are six points off the summit but have played one game more than Ponty – and three more than Merthyr.
Elsewhere, replacement Lewis Hill’s try secured a 22-19 victory for Bargoed at Bonymaen. Bargoed had earlier led 17-0 thanks to tries from scrum-half Tom Bainton, converted by Matthew Lewis, wing Ashley Norton and flanker Sean Morris.
Bony hit back to lead 19-17 through tries from prop Jordan Farley and wingers Nathan Brooks and Scott Clancy. Lawrence Thomas kicked two conversions.
Brecon were comprehensive 51-10 winners over Ystrad Rhondda with Jake Newman, Sam Jones, Ioan Edwards, Kristian Dacey, Geraint Clarke and outside centre Tom Richards (2) their scorers. James Dixon sent over five conversions, a penalty and a drop goal, while Lloyd Matthews and Jack Rees scored for the visitors.
Newbridge were victorious 14-8 at Cross Keys, while Cardiff Met beat Llangennech 25-22. Max Ferguson, Louis Pereira and Jack Stratton got the Met tries with Ross McKay adding two conversions and two penalties.
Steff Marshall scored two tries and kicked one conversion for visitors Llan, with further tries from Chris Hurley and Callum Harries earning them two bonus points.
