CROSS Keys got their Foster’s Challenge Cup campaign off to a fine start by beating Ebbw Vale 22-2 in horrendous conditions at Pandy Park.

The hosts were worthy winners in the howling wind and torrential rain, running in three tries in the Pool C opener.

The visitors were first on the scoreboard with a penalty by fly-half Simon Veall, on permit from Oakdale, but Keys soon nudged in front when wing Elliott Jones finished off from close range.

Keys, who are on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Principality Premiership, piled on the pressure but Ebbw soaked it up as the rain hammered down, defending with spirit against a number of driving lineouts inside their 22.

Fly-half Ethan Davies, who has been training with Wales Sevens ahead of December’s HSBC World Series opener in what should be a rather more agreeable Dubai, conquered the conditions with a penalty early in the second half to make it 8-2.

The Steelmen then enjoyed their best spell of pressure but a breakout led by one of their old boys, Polu Uhi, led to Jones crossing for his second after a neat assist by full-back Owen Howe.

Davies once again expertly bisected the sticks and the spoils were secured when Howe slid over to ground a hack through.

Newport host Bedwas at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon in the other round one clash in Pool C.