The visitors scored four tries to claim a well-deserved bonus point as they out powered and outplayed the Blue and Blacks.
But sadly for the game as a whole, a match which was bad-tempered at times, boiled over in the final few minutes with Keys replacement Rhys Peebles red carded following a brawl.
It ruined what in truth had been a comfortable away win, a try from Nathan Trowbridge and the boot of Dorian Jones giving Keys a 10-3 half time lead. A penalty from Ceiron Thomas had been Cardiff’s only response but things went from bad to worse for them after the break.
Two quick scores from Elliot Jones and Adam Powell put Keys well out of sight. Dorian Jones, son of Dragons coach Kingsley, pulled the strings for Keys all night and kicked the rest of the points as well as adding a delightful try of his own.
Sam Feehan scored a consolation for the home side but the abiding memory of the game was its disgraceful end.
After Cardiff had seen most of the early territory, it was Cross Keys who struck first through left winger Trowbridge. Inform centre James Cordy-Redden was the creator, his break at the heart of the Cardiff defence leaving the home side exposed.
The ball was recycled and when fly half Angus O’Brien spread the ball left, Trowbridge did the rest.
Dorian Jones converted the score and then exchanged penalties with Thomas and with a quarter of the game gone, Keys boasted a 10-3 lead despite rarely venturing into the Cardiff half.
In a game with plenty of spilled balls, Cardiff saw most of the ball but struggled to turn possession into points. Keys on the other hand, were hindered when O’Brien, who is pushing for Wales Under 20 selection this season, limped off injured. Phil Williams was his replacement with Dorian Jones moving from full back to 10.
The move failed to hinder Keys’ attacking threat but with little else of note to occur during the rest of the first 40, the visitors went into the break seven points clear.
The start of the second half couldn’t have been worse for Cardiff. Martyn Fowler’s side were guilty of playing too much rugby in the wrong areas of the field. Under pressure, Thomas was forced into a clearance kick but with the Keys defence swarming all over him, it was easily charged down. It left Elliot Jones with an easy finish and just minutes later, No. 8 Powell added a third. Dorian Jones converted his namesake’s try and kicked another penalty and at 25-3 up, Keys were pretty much home and hosed.
Greg Woods’ side were now utterly dominant and although both sides saw a man yellow carded, the visitors maintained their attacking momentum. Cardiff skipper Jonathon Edwards and Keys scrum half Ryan James were the men sent to the bin but Dorian Jones’ third penalty only pushed Keys further clear.
Cardiff rung the changes in search of a way back into the game, Jack Maynard one of those introduced for Thomas at fly half. Sadly for fans of the Blue and Blacks, they had little to no impact.
And when Dorian Jones added a fourth try by collecting his own chip and chase for a converted score, the game was up.
The Keys then star completed a full house of points with a 30 metre drop goal and although Feehan landed a late consolation for Cardiff, the end to the game ruined what had gone before.
The fight ensued right on the final whistle for no apparent reason, with Peebles the man to see red.
Scorers:
Cardiff: Try: Feehan; Conv: Maynard; Pens: Thomas.
Cross Keys: Tries: Trowbridge, Elliot Jones, Powell, Dorian Jones; Convs: Dorian Jones (3); Pens: Dorian Jones (3); Drop Goals: Dorian Jones.
