It was a match watched by a large crowd that delayed the kick-off for 15 minutes and referee Huw Lewis (Pontypridd) must take great credit for the way he handled their all-Gwent clash.
Newbridge struck early on with tries by centre Jonathan Bowd and wing Gareth Turner, while Pontypool replied with a Byron Hayward penalty. In the second half, Hayward and Jason Williams exchanged penalties before Hayward landed two more to set up an exciting finale.
Aberavon sat it out after their Friday night match at Rumney was called off and saw not only Pontypool, but also close rivals Carmarthen Quins lose. The Quins were sunk 28-26 at home when Glamorgan Wanderers’ utility back Nick Bellamy dropped a late goal.
It was Llandovery who drove through to second place however, after gaining a 28-24 win at Blackwood, where the talented Neil Clapham scored two tries and new signing Gareth Jones added a try and four conversions.
Bonymaen hit form to score five tries in defeating Tredegar 33-11, though the losers had most of the play. Former Wales cap Darril Williams proved the difference as he set up four of the tries.
Whiltland gained a 11-7 win over Bedwas, though Stephen Sankala notched his eighth try for Bedwas, while Treorchy lost 20-13 t home to Tondu when the visitors scored a late converted try.
