CROSS KEYS ended their Principality Premiership campaign on a high as they ran out winners in a nine-try thriller against Bedwas at Pandy Park.

Scott Matthews bagged a brace on his 100th appearance for the club while further efforts from Leon Andrews, Nathan Trowbridge and Josh Skinner ensured Keys ended the season in fourth place.

Tries from Luke Crane, Joe Davies, Matthew John and James Dixon, who added three conversions and a penalty, earned the visitors two bonus points in what proved to be a hugely entertaining finale to end the regular season.

Cross Keys went into the match knowing they were unable to reach the play-offs after Ebbw Vale’s 32-30 win over Aberavon on Sunday saw The Steelmen book a semi-final clash with second-placed Llandovery.

And it was Bedwas, who were beaten 52-32 by reigning champions Pontypridd on Saturday, who made the perfect start as Crane crossed over the whitewash inside the opening two minutes.

But the hosts responded in devastating style as back-rower Matthews marked his Keys century with a try in the sixth minute – with fly-half Ethan Davies slotting the extras to put the home side two points ahead.

Despite the game being a dead rubber contest, both sides were determined to end the 2015/16 campaign on a high in what proved to be a highly competitive opening half.

And Bedwas had their second try midway through the first-half as Dixon touched down before converting his own effort to put The Bridgefield outfit 14-8 up.

But Cross Keys hit-back once again – this time through centre Andrews who darted over as the hosts regained the lead with a conversion from Davies.

The visitors were dealt a blow soon after as No. 8 Deri Mattravers was forced off with an injury in his final game for the club.

Keys extended their lead with a try from Trowbridge but the scores were level at the break as Davies crossed over before Dixon slotted the conversion to make it 22-22.

Bedwas were back in-front 17 minutes into the second period as John touched down before Davies kicked his third conversion.

But their lead lasted only five minutes as Matthews crossed over for his second try of the evening – with Davies converting to level proceedings once again.

Dixon booted Steve Law’s men back in-front with a penalty 10 minutes from time but Keys snatched victory late on with a try from Skinner after Joe Davies was sin-binned for the visitors as the hosts ended the campaign in style.

Cross Keys: Tries: S Matthews (2), L Andrews, J Trowbridge, J Skinner; Cons: E Davies (4)

Bedwas: Tries: L Crane, J Dixon, J Davies, M John; Cons: J Dixon (3); Pen: J Dixon