Newport successfully defended their home record at Rodney Parade by defeating and under par Pontypridd 13-6 in a Principality Premiership clash.
Ponty proved to be their own worst enemy by producing their worst performance of the season. The lineout failed to fire and back lacked any spark. But if either side are to figure prominently in the inaugural British and Irish Cup campaign, they will have to improve significantly.
Newport led 10-0 at the break courtesy of five points from the boot of full-back Shaun Connor and a well taken try from wing Gareth Wyatt on 22 minutes.
The only try of a stop-start game was made by scrum-half Alex Walker, who went on a 40-yard run before kicking through for Wyatt to slide over.
After the break, two penalties from Ponty fly-half Aaron Bramwell and another kick from Connor ensured that Newport took the win and the visitors at least left with a bonus point.
