Bargoed 16-23 Cross Keys

CROSS KEYS were awarded a late penalty try as they came from behind to claim an important victory at strugglers Bargoed in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

Keys came into the game on a poor run of form after three losses in the Premiership and a 17-11 defeat at Newport in the Foster's Challenge Cup.

Bargoed were on an even worse run – a six-game winless streak – and suffered a heavy 54-3 thrashing at RGC 1404 at the weekend.

And the game started well for Keys with Josh Prosser kicking them into an early lead. But the hosts replied well and took the lead when David Evans picked up a loose ball and ran unchallenged to score his third try of the season. Calum Jones missed the conversion.

Keys could have retaken the lead immediately but Lewis Barnett couldn’t get the ball under control after getting clear of Bargoed defenders. The hosts took that as a warning and Keys struggled to find any gaps after that.

Bargoed were posing plenty of problems in attack and Keys gave away two penalties in four minutes, with Jones converting both as the hosts took control. But the visitors were given a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half time through the boot of Prosser.

Keys fell further behind straight after the restart with former Keys youth player Duane Dyer crashing over to extend the hosts’ lead. Jones missed the conversion. Prosser was once again given the chance to reduce the deficit but he missed the target against his former club.

The visitors improved as the half went on though, and got themselves back in the game when Ieuan Jones forced the ball over the line and Prosser added the extras. The fly-half then levelled the scores minutes later with a penalty, with late drama as the visitors piled on the pressure in search of a winner.

Referee Gwyn Morris penalised Bargoed’s Alex Herbert for an offence and showed him a yellow card before duly awarding Keys a penalty try in the final minutes.

Bargoed: Tries – D Evans, D Dyer; Pens – C Jones (2).

Cross Keys: Tries – I Jones, penalty try; Cons – J Prosser (2); Pens – J Prosser (3).