OUTSIDE half Daniel Griffiths scored all of Newport's points with the boot as they notched a much-needed 21-17 home win over Pontypridd last night.

Griffiths made an inauspicious start failing with a straight forward short-range penalty in the third minute.

But he bounced back in style to kick six penalty goals and a crucial injury time dropped goal from 35 metres which gave his team precious breathing space in the tense final minutes.

Pontypridd full back Jason Pocock also got in on the act by kicking four penalties as referee Ken Bowen (Llanon) merrily whistled his way through the match.

Fourth in the Principality Premiership table, Pontypridd also snatched the only try of the generally disappointing game which did not come to life until the final quarter.

Newport's replacement full back Will Kershaw-Naylor was far too lethargic fielding a bouncing ball in his 22 metres area allowing dangerous Pontypridd centre Matthew Nuthall to charge down his attempted clearance kick and scoop up a 55th minute touchdown. It was a double blow for Newport.

Pontypridd edged in front for the first time at 14-12 despite being reduced to 14 men after No.8 Nathan Strong had been sent to the sin bin for illegally spoiling Newport possession at a ruck near his line.

However, the setback stirred Newport into action because in the 59th minute they surged over the visitors' line only for Griffiths again to be denied a try because the referee ruled the ball had not been grounded in the pile-up.

Newport dominated play before the interval, when they led 12-3, thanks to the good work of the forwards among whom No. 8 Marc Popham and flankers Chris Davies and Paul Williams shone. James Ireland also caught the eye putting in some neat touches from the base of the scrum.

Newport coach David Rees shrewdly introduced some "fresh legs" in the pack to ensure Newport stayed on top in the scrums during those final nail-biting minutes.

There was a big sigh of relief when Griffiths found the target with his late dropped goal to put Newport back on the winning trail after disappointing defeats in the cup tie at Maesteg and then at Bedwas.

Newport: R Williams (W Kershaw-Naylor 40); G Chapman, J Rowles, R Payne, R Fussell; D Griffiths, J Ireland; D Pattison (I Evans 63), A Brown, G Robinson, M Workman, M Veater, capt, C. Davies (R Dale 82), P Williams (N Watkins 81), M Popham. Scorers: pens: D Griffiths (4, 18, 22, 31, 65 and 70 min). Drop goal: D Griffiths (83 min).

Pontypridd: J Pocock; D Berry, M Nuthall, D Lockyer, D Hitchings (C Clayton 42 ); R Langmead, T Dickens (R Harris 71); S Williams (R Harford 70), L Davies (B Phillips 61, L Davies 78), S Roberts, D McIntosh, capt (C Dicomidis 61), G Harrington, A Powell, W O'Connor (L Evans 51), N Strong. Scorers: try: M Nuthall (55 min); pen: J Pocock (7, 44, 47 and 73 min).

Referee: Ken Bowen (Llanon).