Newport hit back to topple the Keys

NEWPORT came from behind against Cross Keys to clinch a second successive win in the Fosters Challenge Cup and top spot in Pool 1.

Keys led 11-0 at Rodney Parade when Nathan Williams touched down after kicks by James Thomas.

But Chay Smith scored and set up another try for Wes Cunliffe before the Black & Ambers defence held firm to secure the 17-11 win.

Bridgend are the surprise leaders of Pool 4 after a comfortable 29-7 victory over

Cardiff. Ashton Evans scored twice after Marc Bennett opened the scoring before Conor Tantum wrapped up a bonus-point at the Brewery Field.

Aberavon are second in the group after they bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a first-half blitz of tries against neighbours Neath.

Flanker David Griggs set the tone with a try after just 90 seconds at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Gareth Harvey then weaved through before Lee Purnell crashed over, all inside the opening ten minutes. Ben Davies and Purnell heaped more misery on Neath before the break.

The Welsh All Blacks impressively hit back with four tries, the last by replacement Iwan Davies to claim a bonus point and briefly suggest a remarkable comeback, before Matthew Jenkins completed the 40-24 win for the Wizards.

Ebbw Vale left it late to beat Bargoed as fly-half Dai Langdon slipped through to score a try that he converted himself for a dramatic 12-10 win at Eugen Cross Park.

But it is Merthyr who top Pool 3 after another devastating forward display saw No8 Nick White score two tries in a comprehensive 36-15 triumph over local rivals Pontypridd at The Wern.

Pool 2 looks a straight contest between Carmarthen Quins and Llandovery after both maintained 100 per cent records.

Quins centre Callum Price, wing Morgan Griffiths, flanker Andrew Green and full-back Gwion Morgan all crossed in an easy 33-14 win over struggling Swansea. Llanelli had prop Tom Kaijaks sent off for butting to round-off a disappointing night at Church Bank where hosts

Llandovery won 31-7 thanks to tries by wing Jack Parkinson, fly-half James Davies, centre Rhodri Jones and wing Ryan Davies.