Cross Keys lost 50-28 to Cardiff Met RFC at a sunny Pandy Park on Saturday, September 21.
The Keys earned a bonus point but were unable to build on their cup win over Glamorgan Wanderers.
The Keys are now without a win in their first two games in the WRU Championship.
Cardiff Met fly-half Russell Bennett opened the scoring with a try, which was converted by Harry Johnston.
But the Keys equalised soon after, with a driving lineout resulting in a try from Callum Hague. Kieran Hill levelled the scores with the conversion.
It wasn’t long before the Keys went a man down when prop Richard Cornock was yellow carded for an off the ball tackle. Johnston scored the ensuing penalty and the visitors retook the lead.
The lead swapped hands again when the Keys won a turnover, leading to a try from Spencer Gibson. Hill scored the conversion.
But the university side regained the lead when Bennett scored his second try. Johnston’s conversion gave Cardiff Met a 17-14 lead.
The Keys were reduced to 14 men when winger Dan Hitchins was sent to the sin bin for a ruck offence.
Soon after, Bennett completed his hat trick, which was converted by Johnston.
The students scored again when hooker Corey Lewis crossed the try line to secure a four-try bonus point for his side.
The Keys found themselves trailing 29-14 at the half-time interval.
Cardiff Met were first on the scoreboard in the second half, with second-rower Tom Pearson scoring try number five.
Johnston converted for two extra points, extending the deficit to 22 points.
That lead was increased further when captain Will Gibson scored Cardiff Met’s sixth try.
Johnston scored the conversion to make the score 43-14.
Tensions between the sides began to boil over and a brawl broke out, seeing both teams reduced to 14 men as both No8s were yellow carded.
The Keys were next to cross the try line, this time through Max George.
Hill kicked the conversion as the Keys sensed the chance to secure a four-try bonus point.
However, the visitors broke the 50 point barrier through Gibson’s second try and Johnston’s conversion.
But the Keys continued to battle and secured a bonus point late on when Adam Tetley scored a try.
Hill completed the conversion to round off a high-scoring affair.
Cross Keys will be hoping to register their first league win of the season when they play Maesteg Harlequins away on Saturday, September 28.