CROSS Keys secretary Chris Clarke has stepped down after serving the Pandy Park club in the role for more than 30 years.

Clarke will be replaced by Angela Prangell who is promoted from her previous position as assistant secretary.

Citing personal reasons for his decision to leave the post, Clarke will continue to be part of Keys’ management committee and remain Principality Premiership chairman.

He said: “I have enjoyed being with the club since before the advent of professionalism almost overnight back in 1995 and seen many changes over the years.

“People predicted that Keys would struggle at that time, but we’ve done very well.”

Backing his successor, Clarke added: “Angela is keen, energetic and loves the game, and has organised our youth set up and acted as assistant secretary for a couple of years.”

The club have been one of the top dogs in the Welsh semi-professional elite in recent seasons and won their first trophy in 2012 when they upset Pontypridd to lift the Swalec Cup.

Looking to maintain that position among the big-hitters, Keys have secured the services of several up-and-coming young players who have signed long-term deals to stay with the club.

Prop and Penallta product Cory Hewlett, 19, Wales Under-16s centre Lewis Barnett, 22, Wales Under-18s back row forward Rhys Fitzgerald, 21, and ex-Bargoed outside-half, Josh Prosser, 24, have all penned contracts.

Keys head coach Greg Woods said the Gwent side can look forward to a bright future: “We have been busy over the last few weeks making sure we are tying up all the young talent to the club.

“With some new additions and all our injuries back fit next year we are looking very good.

“Westy (director of rugby Jonathan Westwood) and myself feel that we are starting the process of building our third side within 10 years and it is really exciting to start this journey with this group of players.”