It was the second time in the space of five days that the Black & Ambers were beaten on home soil following their defeat by Llanelli last weekend. But a try and conversion in the last minute of the game allowed them to nick a losing bonus-point at the death to guarantee them a home draw in the semi-finals.
Keys, who had been badly beaten by Cardiff on home soil last weekend, bounced back to complete a Premiership double over their Gwent rivals and notch a third win in four games against them this season. Leon Andews gave them a flying start with a try in the opening minute and they added two more as they raced into a 19-10 interval lead.
Darren Hughes and Nathan Towbridge provided the other first half scores, both of which were converted by Josh Prosser, while lock James Little hit back with the first of his two tries for the home side after 10 minutes. Matt O’Brien added the extras and kicked a penalty mid-way through the half.
After the break, Keys extended their lead with a Prosser penalty and then a bonus-point try from Ieuan Jones. Prosser’s conversion of Jones’ try stretched the lead to 9 points and left Newport with a mountain to climb in the final quarter.
But Adam Brown’s side somehow found a way to get back into the game and produced a grandstand finish that included a second try for Little and then a dramatic late score from replacement forward Daniel Mock. O’Brien kept his cool to slot the conversion and the bonus-point was secured.
It means Newport will finish among the top two teams in Tier 2 and will qualify for a home semi-final. Cross Keys have moved ahead of Llanelli into second place and will definitely be involved in the play-offs.
Llanelli will have to await the outcome of the Friday night’s clash between Neath and Bridgend at The Gnoll to see who will reach the top four. Bridgend are currently fourth with 20 points, one behind Llanelli, while Neath are one place and one point further back.
