THE clash at the Bridge Field was a dour uncompromising derby decided by a penalty which Bedwas coach Steve Law said “defied logic”.

Law was referring to a decision by referee David Bodily as the game seemed to be heading for a draw. He adjudged that home full-back Stuart Thomas had kicked to touch from outside his 22, overruling his touch judge.

From that position Keys won a late penalty and Leon Andrews booted the three points for a crucial victory.

“Can anyone explain to me how a referee who is 40 metres from the play can overrule a linesman who is only 10 metres away?” asked Law. “It was a bizarre decision which ultimately lost us the match.

“All in all it wasn’t a great game, with both teams at the wrong end of the league and afraid to make mistakes. “We did well to come back from 10-0 down at the interval and had the chances to win it but their last penalty was a real choker.”

The opening quarter was spent mainly in mid-field as both sides provided an error-strewn start.

There was no hint of a try until, after 20 minutes, Keys put together the first real move when from a scrum they spun the ball smartly along the line to allow Ryan James space to run in a fine opening try.

Normal service was resumed until on the stoke of half-time, another scrum, from which Bedwas had numerous chances to clear their lines, resulted in Keys’ second try when Gareth Maule barged his way over.

Bedwas began the second half with more urgency after an interval pep talk from Law and they responded on 50 minutes when a smart interchange on the 22 allowed second row Steve Gardner a clear run in.

Stuart Thomas’ conversion and subsequent penalty brought the scores level with all to play for.

Then came the controversial penalty by Leon Andrews that finally settled the issue.

Cross Keys team manager Mark Prangel acknowledged a hard-fought win.

“In the first half we controlled matters but lost our way a bit in the second. “We knew Bedwas would come out fighting after the interval but we managed to squeeze a victory out of a very tight derby game. “It will be interesting to watch the video and see the penalty count. Bedwas will probably feel hard done by but we are pleased to be going home with the win.”

Bedwas: S Thomas; R Suffield, A Hughes, T Williams, J Norris; M Minty, J Pizey; G Leonard, B Roberts, M Petit (K Jenkins 55), S Gardner, R Edwards, B Lampitt (P Bowen 55), R Downes, D Mattravers (captain).

Bedwas: Try – S Gardner, conversion – S Thomas, penalty – Thomas.

Cross Keys: L Andrews; G Maule, C Pocock (J Egan 55), S Regan, N Trowbridge (W Johnstone 75); R James, O Jones; J Price (D Preece 55), A James (L Burns 55), C Gould, M Curtis, B Watkins (capt), C Bridges, R Nash, J Malpas.

Scorers: Tries - R James, G Maule; penalty – L Andrews.

Referee: Mr David Bodily (Cardiff).