CROSS Keys made it three wins on the bounce with a battling 35-27 victory over Cardiff at Pandy Park in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

Two tries in the first half followed by three in the second secured Keys their second consecutive bonus-point victory to continue their recent good form.

The hosts took an early lead when Cardiff tried to play from deep but Keys centre Lewis Barnett intercepted a pass to bag the opening try. Josh Prosser kicked the conversion.

Keys continued to attack with flowing passing moves and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead.

A crowd of Keys players all crossed the line with hooker Rob Jones at the bottom of the group holding the ball to the ground. Prosser again converted.

This seemed to wake Cardiff up as they attacked with new-found pace and purpose.

Their first spell of possession almost brought them a try but they had to settle for a penalty, which Ben Jones hit through the posts.

The Blue and Blacks then enjoyed a numerical advantage after Keys full-back Leon Andrews was yellow carded and they claimed their first try minutes later.

Lock Miles Normandale skipped past a challenge and bulldozed his way to the try line. Jones added the rest.

But it took Keys less than two minutes after the restart to increase their advantage with replacement Nathan Trowbridge going over after he was played into space on the left.

A James Murphy try and Jones conversion briefly helped Cardiff back into the game but a superb break from Keys skipper Scott Matthews helped set up Lee Evans for the bonus-point winning try.

Jones struck another penalty for Cardiff but Owain Leonard claimed Keys’ fifth of the night to keep the hosts in control A late Kris Smith try threatened a late comeback from Cardiff but the hosts battled well to see out the win.

Cross Keys: Tries: L Barnett, R Jones, N Trowbridge, L Evans, O Leonard; Cons: J Prosser (5).

Cardiff: Tries: M Normandale, J Murphy, K Smith; Cons: B Jones (3); Pens: B Jones (2).