CROSS Keys lost an exciting and often abrasive match at Sardis Road after Pontypridd came back strongly in the second half when Keys were down to 14 men.

Pontypridd had the better of the opening quarter and outside half Dai Flanagan kicked three penalties to one for Keys by blood replacement Dorian Jones.

Keys hit bback with a lovely try by centre Leon Andrews after interpassing with formmer Ponty winger Kristian Baller and outside half Dai Gunter converted from the touchline.

A minute before the break, winger Elliott Jones kicked through a Ponty mistake and won the race for the touchdown. Gunter converted but another Flanagan penalty made it 17-12 to Keys at half time.

Two more Flanagan penalties nudged Ponty back in front when Keys were down to 14 men after yellow cards for lock Ollie Hodge and prop Richard Cornock.

Winger Lewis Williams then scored an opportunist try for Ponty and tyhen ran 80 metres for a second ten minutes later and Flanagan converted both.

In between, No 8 Adam Powell got a close range try for Keys converted by Gunter but Ponty had the last word with a last minute try by Carl Thomas.

Cross Keys: Tries – L Andrews, E Jones, A Powell; Cons – D Gunter (3); Pen – D Jones.