NEWPORT suffered a 43-25 defeat at Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership race for second.

The hosts’ seven-try win means that they just about stay on the coattails of leaders Merthyr, although it would be a huge shock if the Ironmen don’t have the title wrapped up long before the final day of the season.

The Black and Ambers, who started the weekend in fourth and well away from the relegation scrap, rallied impressively in the second half but would have been disappointed to leave Sardis Road with nothing to show for their efforts after a late charge for a fourth score.

Ponty had their bonus point in the bag after 34 minutes thanks to tries by wings Alex Webber and Corey Howells, the latter a former black and amber, plus a pair of driving lineout scores by hooker Rob Jones and prop Will Davies-King.

A cracker followed from full-back Dale Stuckey and it looked to be game over at 33-13 as the teams headed for their changing rooms.

Newport started brightly but were forced to settle for a pair of penalties by Matt O’Brien and a lovely try that he created and converted in between the tries by Ponty’s wings.

The fly-half jinked on halfway and offloaded for Elliot Frewen to infuriate the home crowd with his assist for fellow speedster Jon Morris.

The decision that the pass was flat certainly seemed generous, although in fairness it is hard for the officials to call a move back when they are 10 metres behind a rapid move.

At 20 points down the Black and Ambers needed to show spirit.

They did and, after a yellow card for home scrum-half Jamie Hill, chipped away at the lead through Frewen to make it 33-18 after the ball was worked through the hands.

Newport were playing some delightful rugby and went the length of the field, and touchline to touchline, for lock Joe Bartlett to cross and O’Brien to add the extras for 33-25 approaching the final quarter.

However, their progress was stalled by a yellow card for replacement Harri Lang and Stuckey soon went over to calm Ponty nerves.

The killer blow came with 10 minutes left when Newport turned the ball over and Wales Sevens international Webber scorched clear.

Newport hunted a consolation bonus with Frewen going on one sensational burst, beating players for fun only to finally be stopped in the 22.

They ended the game hammering at the line but Ponty held firm.

Pontypridd scorers: tries – A Webber (2), C Howells, R Jones, W Davies-King, D Stuckey (2); conversions – L Williams (4)

Newport scorers: tries – J Morris, E Frewen, J Bartlett; conversion – M O’Brien (2); penalties – M O’Brien (2)