Cross Keys 15 Newbridge 31

CROSS Keys second row Christen Penny was sent off as Newbridge extended their winning run to six games in a niggly derby at Pandy Park on Saturday.

Penny was dismissed for punching in the 13th-minute after a second flare-up in quick succession.

More might have gone, for others threw punches too, including Newbridge pair Tony Edwards and John Bowd.

Cross Keys had started well and led 7-0 at the time, but though they stayed in front until the 37th-minute and might have increased their lead, it was all over once they fell behind.

Despite some tremendous work by skipper Steve Gardner and second row Matthew Veater and some probing runs by centre Matthew McCarthy, Keys were outgunned.

Newbridge were clinically efficient, sticking to a simple game plan and relying on their strong pack and the astute play of outside half Jason Williams.

Williams scored 16 points to take his total for the season to 126 and his general kicking was also spot on as he drove Keys back.

Newbridge dominated the scrums as one might have expected while Edwards did well in the lineout and Bowd continues to impress and looks a first-class flanker.

It was a pity they did not try to use their backs more, given the extra man advantage, but they were sound in all departments and seem sure to finish near the top.

Keys, on the other hand, have now won only one of their last seven games and must do something soon to stop the rot.

Outside half Rhodri Davies gave Keys a tenth-minute lead when he broke clean through from just outside the Newbridge 22 for centre Morgan Lovell to convert.

After Penny's dismissal, Newbridge were twice held on the Keys line before Williams kicked a penalty.

But Lovell had the chance to make it 10-3 before an interception knocked the stuffing out of the home side.

Keys stole possession from a maul inside their 22 and ran with a clear overlap, but Newbridge wing Paul Collett collected a wayward pass and Newbridge were ahead.

Before half time Edwards won a lineout and Newbridge drove on for flanker Damien Cooper to score and with a 17-7 interval lead, the game was over.

Prop Phil Taylor added a second half try and Williams added three penalties while Keys, continuing to run the ball, grabbed a try through McCarthy and kicked a penalty.

* Newbridge's home game with Tondu has been brought forward from Saturday to this Friday, kick-off 7.15pm.