CROSS KEYS 44 BRIDGEND 38

Cross Keys, who had hammered Bridgend 66-5 at the Brewery field four days earlier, were given a major fright by their plucky opponents in this entertaining match.

Keys had trailed 19-3 in the first half and they looked to be indanger of being overhauled again by the Ravens in a nail-biting finish but Leon Andrews and his men only secured the victory in the third minute of injury time when outside half Ethan Davies kicked a short-range penalty goal.

But at least Bridgend coach Mike Hook can be encouraged by this far more resolute performance as they prepare to meet Pontypridd in the Swalec Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, 3 May.

After their sluggish start, Cross Keys fired up their scoring machine with flanker Scott Matthews scoring the first of his two tries in the 31st minute quickly followed by touchdowns by wing Lloyd Lewis and inside half James Leadbeater.

Impressive No.8 Jack Condy and, replacement prop Anthony Lott, along with Matthews, also got over the line in the second half. Outsiude half Ethan Davies had a good day with the boot kicking two penalties and four conversions for a personal tally of 14 points.

Wing Owen Howe was also in good kicking form converting an early interception try by wing Tom O’Flaherty and two second half touchdowns by replacements Adam Williams and Ashleigh James as well as banging over four penalty goals for a personal haul of 18 points.

Keys did not help themselves by having two players sent to the sin bin; prop Richard Cornock (27 mins) and lock Dan Hodge – making his 150th appearance for the club – in first half injury time. In the second half, Bridgend forwards Cai Lewis and Gavin Bilton also received yellow cards.

Cross Keys secured their place in the Principality Premiership play-off semi-final with their comprehensive win at the Brewery Field in a mid-week match postponed from last January. Keys will now play Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale away on Saturday, 9 May for the right to meet Pontypridd in the final at Sardis Road on Sunday, 17 May. The Steelmen denied Keys the opportunity of a favourable home tie in the semi-final by beating Cardiff 16-0 at the Arms Park on Friday to clinch the league No.2 spot.

Bridgend have partly redeemed themselves after a sorry season near the bottom of the league by reaching the final of the Swalec Cup. The last time Bridgend reached the cup final was in 1990 when they were beaten 16-10 by Neath but they lifted the cup in 1979 winning 18-12 against Pontypridd and in 1980 defeating Swansea 15-9.

The visitors made a bright start and led 19-3 after 28 minutes. Keys moved play to the left in the third minute but a loose pass by home lock Scott Andrews was scooped up by wing O’Flaherty who raced 55 metres for an opportunist try converted by Howe.

Howe and Davies exchanged penalties before Howe added another three penalties including one splendid kick from 50 metres.

Keys finally shook themselves out of their torpor and, despite having lost prop Richard Cornock to the sin-bin, cashed in on some suspect Bridgend defensive work to score three tries in quick succession from Matthews, Lewis and Leadbeater all of which were converted by Davies.

In first half injury time, Hodge was shown a yellow card to reduce them to 14 men once again but at least they had the satisfaction of leading 24- 19 at the interval. After a topsy-turvy second period, it was Keys who seemed to be the most relieved to hear the final whistle.

Scorers: Cross Keys: Tries: S. Matthews (2), L. Lewis , J. Leadbeater J. Condy A. Lott Pens: E. Davies (2) Cons: E. Davies (4) Bridgend: Tries: T O’Flaherty A. Williams , A. James and A. Evans Pens: O.Howe ( 4) Cons: O. Howe (3)