Newport revival goes on as they unlock the Keys

Mar 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

IT has been a disappointing season for Newport but they built on their recent improvement with a hard-fought 14-10 triumph at Cross Keys.

For Keys, however, a sixth straight loss plunged them to sixth from bottom.

The Black & Ambers were 14-3 up in the early stages of the second half thanks to an Adam Frampton try and three Daniel Griffiths penalties.

Keys upped the tempo after the break, Leon Andrews crossing but despite eight minutes of injury time pressure, they failed to puncture Newport’s defence again.

EBBW Vale suffered a shock defeat when they went down 31-22 at basement side Llandovery.

The result was a cruel blow to the survival hopes of Maesteg, who have now replaced the Drovers at the foot of the table.

The hosts’ victory platform was laid in the first period when they built a 21-7 advantage.

Both sides crossed three times, Kristain Owen, Bryan Shelbourne and Anthony Lott crossing for Vale, while Mike Jones, Gareth James and Emyr Phillips replied. But Gareth Morgan’s 16 points from the boot edged it.