CROSS Keys have been boosted by the news influential captain Leon Andrews and highly-respected director of rugby Jonathan Westwood have penned new deals with the club.

Leading Principality Premiership clubs had tried to tempt centre Andrews away from Pandy Park but the 30-year-old has pledged his loyalty by signing a one-year contract.

Former Newport and Cardiff full back Westwood has committed to the Gwent side for another two years.

Keys honorary secretary Chris Clarke is delighted two key members of last season’s Principality Premiership and Swalec Cup runners-up have committed to the club who look to go at least one better this year.

“Leon and Jonathan have been great servants to Cross Keys and they both epitomise the values of the club,” he said.

“We are so pleased they have decided to sign new deals.”

Andrews made three appearances as a full-time professional with Cardiff Blues in the 2003/04 season and joined Keys in 2007.

He has made 164 appearances for the club, scoring 364 points after crossing for 32 tries and kicking 36 conversions and 44 penalties.

Andrews was a member of the team which won the 2012 Swalec Cup following a memorable 32-19 triumph over overwhelming favourites Pontypridd at the Millennium Stadium.

Keys head coach Greg Woods said of him: “Leon has become something of an iconic figure at Pandy Park – when people think Cross Keys now, they think Leon Andrews.

“We are delighted he will spend his ninth successive season with us.”

Ensuring Westwood stays at Pandy Park is also significant.

His side’s last-gasp 17-13 home win over Aberavon on Saturday means the club, currently sixth, are still very much in the fight for a league play-off spot.

And their devastating 52-24 triumph over Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets earlier this month has earned them an away Swalec Cup tie against North Wales Swalec Championship side RGC 1404 at Colwyn Bay’s Parc Eirias in February.

Westwood has been part of the management set-up which won the Swalec Cup three years ago and taken the club to another final of that competition as well as the last rounds of the British and Irish Cup and Premiership.