Cross Keys’ slim hopes of reaching the top eight of the Principality Premiership were finally extinguished as Pontypridd were made to work for their win in front of the S4C television cameras on New Year’s Eve.
Two late tries made the 31-22 scoreline more respectable for Keys, but Ponty ran away in the first half thanks mostly to fly-half Ben Jones, who shone on his debut.
Keys laid siege to the try-line but failed to make in-roads until winger Matthew Powell scored a brilliant individual try in the ninth minute after Jones had given Ponty the lead from the tee.
The home side hit back with their own spectacular try through Dane Blacker, before Jones’ boot took them to a 19-8 lead at half time.
The contest was effectively over shortly after the break, as Jones once again provided a moment of inspiration, scoring a quick-tap try.
Blacker grabbed his second shortly after, and while Keys scored twice late on through James Thomas and Rhys Fitzgerald, it was little more than a consolation.
• Cross Keys’ match against Ebbw Vale will be shown on S4C at 2pm on Saturday January 7. The reigning champions currently sit in eighth, and need to win to ensure a place in the top tier for the second half of the season.