Pontypridd 36 Newport 0

THE feelgood factor of Newport's encouraging 22-21 victory over Llandovery last week evaporated after they went down to a humiliating defeat at the hands of

reigning double champions Pontypridd.

Ponty warmed up for their treble Principality Premiership and Swalec Cup double quest against the bottom of the table Black and Ambers with a fairly routine

triumph.

For Newport, the end of a horrendous season can't come quickly enough as they finish this campaign as the league's worst side.

The enormous gulf between the two sides was there for all to see.

It took Ponty just five minutes to get off the mark when hooker Huw Dowden crashed over for a try converted by Simon Humberstone.

The hosts utterly dominated but were held out by the Black and Ambers until the 28th minute when No 8 Dan Godfrey went over for an unconverted touchdown

from a scrum five against 14-man Newport after tighthead Alex Jeffries was sin binned for collapsing the set piece.

Their third try came four minutes before the interval when centre and skipper Dafydd Lockyer tore through the opposition with ease, Humberstone adding the

extras.

Ponty were full value for their 19-0 half-time and it could have been more had their lineout functioned better.

Newport started the second half well, putting pressure on the hosts' tryline.

But it was the home side who scored next when wing Lewis I Williams got their bonus point fourth try from a breakaway in the 51st minute.

It continued to be one-way traffic after a sparkling unconverted try by scrum half Lloyd Williams after some slick handling by the backs saw Ponty extend their

lead to 29-0 with a quarter of an hour to go.

A penalty try followed with ten minutes to go, Newport wing Barney Nightingale also getting a yellow card.

Pontypridd scorers: Tries: Dowden (5), Godfrey (28), Lockyer (36), Lewis I Williams (51), Lloyd Williams (65), Penalty try (70), Conversions: Humberstone

(5), (36), (70).

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)