CROSS Keys made it back-to-back victories in Principality Premiership East with a deserved win over Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park, writes Jay Bayford.

The Pandy Park outfit ran in five tries to secure maximum points and leave the Steelmen struggling at the bottom end of the table.

It was a clumsy start from Ebbw as they missed a number of chances to clear the ball in the opening exchanges and were careless in possession, which gifted the ball back to Keys.

And the visitors took advantage with visiting captain Scott Matthews forcing the ball over the whitewash in the fourth minute. Fly-half Josh Prosser added the conversion.

The hosts responded well but struggled to break through a solid and well-organised Keys defence.

But it was total domination from the Steelmen until they were awarded a penalty which full-back Callum Hall converted.

The game continued to be Ebbw attack versus Keys defence and it looked liked the visitors were winning the battle until referee Wayne Davies gave the Steelmen a penalty try which edged them ahead.

But the hosts gifted another try to Keys as scrum-half Dan Babos tried to spin his man and pass the ball out of danger, only to give it straight to winger Barney Nightingale who enjoyed a free run to the try line. Prosser converted.

The try revitalised the visitors and they soon added another with full-back Leon Andrews going over after a strong run from winger Matthew Powell.

And they extended their lead moments later through a close-range Prosser penalty.

Keys then made the perfect start to the second half when centre Lewis Barnett evaded a challenge to crash over 50 seconds after the restart and claim the bonus point. Prosser was on target with the conversion.

Ebbw refused to give up and hauled themselves back into game when skipper Ronny Kynes touched down.

But scrum-half James Leadbeater hit back for Keys instantly to restore their 19-point advantage.

Joe Franchi grabbed a third for Ebbw in the closing minutes but it was to be Keys’ night.

Ebbw Vale: Tries: Penalty try, R Kynes, J Franchi; Pen: C Hall.

Cross Keys: Tries: S Matthews, B Nightingale, L Andrews, L Barnett, J Leadbeater; Cons: J Prosser (3); Pen: J Prosser.