CROSS Keys are the only club without a victory in the Principality Premiership after a disappointing defeat at the Brewery Field, writes Ron Chalmers.

A powerful second-half comeback by Bridgend took them to a bonus-point success and got them off the mark for the season following defeat to RGC 1404 on the opening weekend.

The first quarter was even and Ravens outside-half Joseph Scrivens and Keys full-back Ethan Davies exchanged penalties before the visitors struck in the 24th minute.

They opted for a scrum from a kickable penalty and strong pressure brought a close-range try for flanker Josh Skinner.

Davies converted and then added his second penalty just before the break to make it 13-3.

There was still time for the Ravens to storm back and after going through the phases, number eight Ashton Evans forced his way over. Scrivens converted to close the gap to 13-10 at the interval.

Davies extended the Keys lead shortly after the restart with his third penalty but the rest of the match belonged to the Ravens.

Skinner was yellow carded after 52 minutes for a lineout offence and the Ravens made Keys pay.

The hosts took two scrums instead of penalties and lock Jack Pope forced his way over for a try converted by Scrivens.

Four minutes later, Scrivens made a half break which was carried on by winger Mike Powell who put full-back Mark Bennett over for a try.

Just before full time, a poor Keys kick was snapped up by replacement scrum-half Chris Williams who made ground before sending an inside pass to winger Ryan Griffiths.

He raced clear for the bonus-point try, again improved by Scrivens, who was then sin-binned two minutes later fort a technical offence.

That gave Keys a chance to apply some late pressure but the Ravens’ defence held firm.

Bridgend: M Bennett; R Griffiths, M Jones (R Evans 60), J Murphy, M Powell (R Davies 78); J Scrivens, W Baird; N Boyce (R Apsee 64), D Rogers (I Merriman 44), C Lewis (L Francis 75), J Pope (K Evans 70), J Kenny, A O’Driscoll (M John 75), Z O’Driscoll (capt), A Evans.

Cross Keys: E Davies; M Powell, L Andrews, B Nightingale, J Unwin (O Leonard 70); J Prosser, J Leadbeater (R Pritchard 72); L Smout (C Hewlett 60), D Hughes, R Cornock (G Carpenter 44), T Lampard, S Williams (D Hodge 60), J Skinner, S Matthews (capt), A Powell.

Scorers, Bridgend: Tries – A Evans, J Poe, M Bennett, R Griffiths; Cons – J Scrivens (3); Pen – J Scrivens

Cross Keys: Try – J Skinner; Con – E Davies; Pens – E Davies (3).

Referee: Adam Jones

Argus star man: Ethan Davies