CROSS Keys are through to their third Swalec Cup semi-final in four years after a hard-fought victory over their Gwent rivals Bedwas.

The 2012 champions thoroughly deserved their victory in a bruising but entertaining dogfight of a battle.

The hosts played the difficult conditions better than Bedwas, their forwards laying the platform for victory and carrying hard.

Much of the heated debate from fans after the game centred on the quality of referee Rhys Thomas’ performance, neither set of supporters happy with how he managed the game.

The game witnessed a ferocious start from Keys with hooker Darren Hughes putting in a thunderous tackle to leave Bedwas reeling before their scrum had the visitors in real trouble.

Keys’ front row of props Richard Cornock and Anthony ‘Vinnie’ Lott and Hughes had the definite edge over their opponents in that area.

The home started well, outside half Ethan Davies making a lovely break to put centre Polu Uhi away early on before the move broke down.

The first quarter was a real arm wrestle after heavy rain had left the field heavy and the ball slippery, the hosts shading matters in a game strewn by errors.

With both packs keeping the ball tight and relying on mistakes from up and unders, Keys engineered their way into the Bedwas 22 but left empty-handed after 30 minutes.

It was Bedwas' turn to put Keys under pressure towards the end of the first half as they battered away in the best period of the game for any side up until then.

But the Pandy Park side held firm and cleared their lines and got a slice of luck when centre Phil Williams charged down Bedwas full back Harley Thomson's kick which was gathered by captain and fellow centre Leon Andrews.

He raced home under the posts from 40 metres out for a try in the 36th minute.

It should have been 7-0 to Keys but the ball toppled over as Davies took his run up for the conversion attempt and it was gathered up by the opposition.

Keys should have been further ahead almost immediately from the restart after a superb run deep into enemy territory by their in-form young number eight Jack Condy gave Davies the chance to exploit an overlap.

But inexplicably, the No 10 decided on a cross-kick rather than let the ball go through the hands.

The half ended with Keys full value for their 5-0 lead and they started the second the better side.

With their forwards making the hard yards, Keys found the space to put Williams through for their second unconverted try after 49 minutes.

Bedwas hit back in style minutes later when wing Matthew John finished a well-worked move with a class finish, fly half Richard Powell nailing a difficult conversion to make it 10-7 to Keys.

Powell missed a penalty attempt after 60 minutes to draw his side back on level terms as the momentum looked to have swung in his side’s favour.

Some outstanding play from openside flanker Scott Matthews got the home side deep into Bedwas territory but this hard work was undone by their opponents' captain and lock Phill Rees who set off on a magnificent run.

A frantic encounter made for a fascinating climax with the game in the balance.

It swung in the hosts' favour with seven minutes to go when replacement back row forward Dan Crimmins was sent off.

He received a yellow card for coming in from the side at a driving lineout near his own try-line.

Before he left the field, he gave some backchat to Mr Thomas who subsequently showed him a red card.

Keys made heavy weather of closing the game out after being camped in Bedwas' 22, falling foul of the referee who penalised them as they went for the knockout blow.

A fine penalty from halfway by Davies gave his side a six-point cushion two minutes from time and he could afford to miss another attempt as his team held on to make the last four yet again.

Keys’ forwards were magnificent with Lott, Hughes, Matthews and Condy leading the way.

Cross Keys: Elliott Jones (James Leadbeater 53), Nathan Williams, Leon Andrews (capt), Phil Williams, Polu Uhi, Ethan Davies, Ryan James, Richard Cornock (Luke Garrett 61), Darren Hughes, Anthony Lott (Craig Gould 77), Danny Hodge, Simon Williams (Tom Lampard 76), Adam Powell, Scott Matthews, Jack Condy (Josh Skinner 77).

Replacements: Henry Palmer, Lloyd Lewis, Owen Jones.

Scorers: Tries: Leon Andrews (36), Phil Williams (49), Penalty: Ethan Davies (78).

Bedwas: Harley Thomson, Steve Taylor (Stuart Thomas 54), Mike Callow, Arron Pinches, Matthew John, Richard Powell, Luke Crane (Gareth Hutcher72), Brynley Toms (Rhys Hutcherson 51), Alun Rees (Rhys Hutcherson 51), Matthew Pettit (Joe Mills 51), Phill Rees (capt), Josh Walker, James Richards (George Lee 29), James Sawyer, Deri Mattravers (Dan Crimmins 49).

Replacements: Dan Preece, Joe Mills, Jack Maynard. 

Scorers: Try: Matthew John (52), Conversion: Richard Powell (52).

Referee: Rhys Thomas (WRU).

Argus star man: Anthony Lott