Perfect Leadbetter has the key to unlock jaded Newport

CROSS Keys overcame Newport in a scrappy Principality Premiership affair at Rodney Parade.

Newport still looked exhausted following their defeats to Merthyr in the National Cup Final and Bedwas over the previous six days, and Cross Keys took advantage with early tries under the sticks from Foard Cooksley and Scott Matthews. James Leadbetter converted both.

After Cross Keys had Joe Thomas sinbinned with 10 minutes remaining of a stop-start first half that had seen its fair share of injuries, Jonny Morris got a try back for Newport after a good passing move. Matt O’Brien’s conversion attempt sailed wide.

Matthews joined Thomas in the bin not long after that and Newport took advantage two minutes after the break with Chay Smith grounding under the posts and O’Brien converted.

Newport’s Rhys Jenkins was next in the sin-bin after a high tackle and Cross Keys scored from the penalty. Gary Carpenter went over for a try from close range and Leadbetter converted.

And it was game over on 64 minutes after Nathan Trowbridge collected a loose ball and sprinted 40 metres to the line. Leadbetter converted again.

Alex Everett got a try back for Newport that O’Brien improved but Matthew Powell put the icing on the cake for Keys with another breakaway try with Leadbetter make it five from five with the boot.