Principality Premiership

NEWPORT came from behind to claim a bonuspoint win over Gwent rivals Cross Keys.

Llywarch ap Myrddin marked his Keys debut in impressive fashion with a try inside three minutes.

Prop Garin Price was the next to go over and the conversion from former RGC 1404 star Jacob Botica put the hosts 12-0 ahead.

But the Black and Ambers responded with a terrific try from prolific centre Chay Smith. He finished off a fine team move for his seventh try.

The reliable Matt O’Brien was on target with the resulting conversion.

The tables then turned as Craig Warlow’s men started to ask the questions and their answer came in the form of a penalty try following several infringements in the scrum.

Keys’ response saw them take the lead back with Ellis Shipp forcing his way over and Botica converting.

But it was Newport who held the lead at the break thanks to Elliot Frewen’s converted try.

Frewen sealed the bonus point with another try after the break and Newport then started to pull away.

Geraint O’Driscoll then added another with O’Brien converting both tries and adding a penalty.

Dylan Fidler then saw yellow for Keys before Chris Williams’ late try sealed the win for Newport. DAFYDD Lockyer reckons a Pontypridd win at the Arms Park on New Year’s Day could blow arch-rivals Cardiff out of the Principality Premiership title race.

The Ponty skipper, who celebrated his 350th appearance recently, has played in many of the 19 successive victories his side has enjoyed over the Welsh capital outfit and thinks a 20th success could create daylight at the top.

“This is going to be the biggest derby we’ve had for a number of years because the two teams are closer than ever before. It is going to be a massive match,” said Lockyer.

“If we can win on Tuesday I think Cardiff will fall a bit behind and I don’t think they will be able to challenge.”

Pontypridd were only three points behind Merthyr before yesterday’s games, with the Blue & Blacks a further six points back in fourth.