No 8 Nick White led the way with a try in each half and Adam Hoskins, Owen Howe and Dan Parry chipped in to ensure the home side bagged a bonus point. The Ironmen had beaten Ponty 39-21 at Sardis Road in their Principality Premiership meeting at the end of September.
Premiership champions Ebbw Vale had to rely on a late try from outside half Dai Langdon to earn a 12-10 win over Bargoed at Eugene Cross Park. The visitors led 10-0 at the break, but Langdon weaved his magic late on to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
In Pool 1, Newport came from behind against Cross Keys to clinch a second successive win and create some daylight at the top of the table. Keys led 11-0 at Rodney Parade when Nathan Williams touched down after kicks by James Thomas, but Chay Smith scored and set up another try for Wes Cunliffe before the Black & Ambers defence held firm to secure the 17-11 win.
Pool 2 looks a straight contest between Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery after both maintained 100 per cent records. Quins centre Callum Price, wing Morgan Griffiths, flanker Andrew Green and full-back Gwion Morgan all crossed in an easy 33-14 win over struggling Swansea.
Llanelli had prop Tom Kaijaks showen the red card for butting to round-off a disappointing night at the Church Bank where hosts Llandovery won 31-7. The home side picked up a bonus point thanks to tries from wing Jack Parkinson, outside half James Davies, centre Rhodri Jones and wing Ryan Davies.
Foster’s Challenge Cup – Round 2
Pool 1: Newport 17, Cross Keys 11
Pool 2: Carmarthen Quins 33, Swansea 14; Llandovery 31,
Pool 3: Ebbw Vale 12, Bargoed 10; Merthyr 36, Pontypridd 15
Pool 4: Aberavon 40, Neath 24; Bridgend 29 Cardiff 7
