Pontypridd are still in contention for one of the top five places in the Welsh-Scottish Premier Division after this deserved 17-12 win over visitors Neath.

Although this was overall a poor game, Ponty's hero was the former Neath hooker Mefin Davies who crossed for the only try of the game to give his team the honours in a fine second-half display.

Ponty had a chance to go ahead in the 13th minute but Nicky Little's 40-metre penalty fell short.

Remaining on the offensive, Ponty eventually shot in front in the 17th minute with another penalty kick from Little.

Lee Jarvis levelled matters for Neath in the 26th minute but Ponty returned to the attack and after Neath's Nathan Bonner-Evans was sin-binned, Little restored the home side's lead with a goal.

In the closing stages of the half Jarvis slotted over a second goal following a flare-up to leave the teams locked at 6-6 at the interval.

Ponty began the second half at a cracking pace and despite several breaks in the 22 by Jonathan Bryant, Neath's defence stood firm.

Ponty continued to have the better of the exchanges but Neath's spoiling tactics prevented Ponty's desire to run the ball.

However, from a driving wall in the 22, Ponty edged in front with a try from hooker Davies.

Ponty increased their hold with a drop goal from Little but Jarvis reduced the gap with a penalty.

But in the dying minutes, Brett Davey clinched it for the home side with a penalty.

Teams

Pontypridd: Davey, Wyatt, Parker, Bryant, Simpson, Little, John, Jenkins, Davies, Bell, Cockbain, Sidoli, Kelly, Parks, Owen.

Not Used: Baber, Sweeney, J. Lewis, M. Rees, Cronk, Remnant, McIntosh.

Tries: Davies.

Pens: Davey, Little 2.

Drop Goals: Little.

Neath: Morris, K. James, A. Bateman, Storey, S. Williams, Jarvis, A. Moore, D. Jones, S. Jones, Millward, Slade, Martin, Mocelutu, Sinkinson, Bonner-Evans.

Not Used: Horgan, Dudney, Tiueti, Tandy, R. Phillips, Mathews, A. Jones.

Pens: Jarvis 4.

Att: 4,000

Ref: Colin Saunders (WRU).