Cross Keys no longer have any chance of qualification for the knockout stages of the inaugural Fosters Challenge Cup, following a 24 points to 12 defeat against Newport on Tuesday March 2.
Had Keys won the game, they could have qualified for the knockout stages as best runner up, but their challenge in this season’s development competition is now over.
With one eye on the crucial Principality Premiership game at Pontypridd on Saturday March 5, the Keys management mixed their squad with a blend of youth and experience against Newport, who fielded a strong side.
The Black and Ambers scored three tries, with winger Jonathan Morris, centre Andrew King and outside-half Arwel Robson crossing the whitewash. Robson also added all three conversions.
Keys replied with an excellent individual try for winger Elliott Jones in the first half, and a second half try for prop Gary Carpenter – his first for the club – which was converted by Owen Howe.
This result means that the home game with Bedwas in the competition, which was rearranged for Tuesday March 8, will now have no bearing on the outcome of the group, with Bedwas topping the group to qualify for the semi-finals.
Bedwas join Pontypridd and Camarthen Quins as group winners, with Cardiff qualifying as best runner up.
• Match report by David Glastonbury of Cross Keys RFC