SO near but yet so far! That was again the story for Cross Keys who were beaten 18-13 by Premiership front-runners Bridgend in the mud and rain at Pandy Park last night.

Keys, who had put in a battling performance before going down 23-20 at Pontypridd last Saturday, built up a useful 10-3 lead after half an hour's play against Bridgend only to see their victory hopes finally dashed in the closing minutes.

Home coach Nicky Lloyd said later: " That is the second big performance we have produced within a couple of days but, unfortunately, we don't have a single league point to show for all our efforts.

"I thought we adapted to the difficult conditions well but we just fell short in the last few minutes. We are very disappointed."

Bridgend captain and No.8 Andrew Williams, who had earlier spent time in the sin-bin, scored the winning try in the 76th minute - but in somewhat controversial circumstances.

The visitors mounted a telling forward drive to cross the home 22 and Williams raced away untouched for the try.

However, a number of Keys players appeared nonplussed when referee Mr. David Bodilly (Cardiff) confirmed the touchdown because they claimed the ball had been knocked on.

Powerful centre Chris Tossell scored Bridgend's first try just before the interval - and this one was a real beauty - after a flowing 40 metres passing movement and a sharp second phase attack featuring inside half Nick Griffiths and right wing Ryan Howell.

Full back Matthew Hutchings, who also kicked a penalty in each half, landed the conversion to make the scores 10-10 at half time.

What was more surprising was that this came shortly after Bridgend had been reduced to 13 men.

Andrew Williams and Keys No.8 Will Thomas were shown the yellow card for fighting after 35 minutes and the visitors' lock Huw Alford joined them in the sin bin three minutes later after yet another bout of fisticuffs.

Cross Keys centre Rhodri Williams, who made some excellent breaks, had capitalised on a bright start by sprinting over for a second minute try after good work by his captain and co-centre Gareth Turner. Wing Darren Miles added the conversion and kicked two penalties after 28 and 69 minutes.

Wing forward Tom Lampard caught the eye in the hard-working home eight but Keys were hit for six when Bridgend snatched victory with that questionable, late try.

Cross Keys: J Thomas, N Williams, G Turner, R Williams, D Miles, S Mitchell, G Betts (J Pizey 55, D Dark 71 ), J Price (I George 55 ), R Draper (G Horrigan 55 ), D Evans (C Gould 55), M Curtis, W Sims, R Peebles (R Williams 55 ), T Lampard, W Thomas. Scorers: try: R Williams (2 min); con: D. Miles; pens: Miles (28 and 69 mins).

Bridgend: M Hutchings, R Howell, C Tossell, R Dyke (L Thomas 57), R Radford, P Williams, N Griffiths, C Voisey (T Hearne 61), A Joy, R Jones (G Long 61), H Alford, T Evans, G Williams (M Thomas 61), A Whitney, A Williams (captain).

Scorers: tries: C. Tossell (39 min), A.Williams (76 min); con: M Hutchings; pens: Hutchings (11 and 61 mins).