CROSS KEYS recorded their first Welsh Premier League win at the sixth attempt against Bridgend in a pulsating affair at Pandy Park last night.
An exciting contest saw the home side grasp victory by an eight-point margin and outscore the visitors four tries to two.
Cross Keys put in a powerful but controlled display to gain a hard- fought success against a determined Bridgend outfit. The visitors failed in coming to terms with the resolute Keys defensive game in a high tempo first half.
In contrast, on the few adventures into the visitors half, slick movement and handling saw both Keys' wingers Stuart Rees and Mark McKee cross for well-taken tries.
Bridgend managed to turn pressure into points and level the scores at 13 all when in the closing minutes of the first period a Paul Smithson penalty goal was quickly followed by a scything run that saw classy centre Richard Dyke cross for a try.
In the second half Cross Keys' forwards imposed themselves on the game, taking the advantage in the scrummage area. Hooker Andrew Brown again was prominent for Keys, causing problems for the opposition by driving at the heart of their defence and the outstanding David Tovey won crucial turn over ball in a back row that worked tirelessly.
The home side moved back in front following a try and conversion by full back Darren Miles only to be quickly cancelled out when Bridgend outside half Smithson danced over for a try, which he also converted.
Keys tied up the game in the closing minutes when replacement prop Glen Stroud charged over and Miles quickly followed up with a penalty goal, which took him past 200 league points for the season.
Cross Keys: D Miles, M McKee, G Chapman, D Dark, S Rees, O Biddicombe (J Ireland, 72min), T Walsh, I Evans (G Stroud, 68min), A Brown, D Evans, D Hallmen, M Curtis, B Watkins (J Sulway, 53 min), T Morris (D Tovey, 15min), W Thomas. Scorers: Tries: S Rees, M McKee, D Miles, G Stroud; pens: D Miles (2); con: D Miles. Bridgend: A Howells, A Havili, A Carter, R Dyke, P Jones, P Smithson, B Roach. T Snelgrove, A Phillips, G Alexander, P Morgan, M Powell (J Ciaburro, 60min), M Thomas, D Fitzgerald, C Davies (H Alford, 45min). Scorers: Tries: R Dyke, P Smithson; Pens: P Smithson (2); con: P Smithson (2).
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