Keys find combination to crush crisis-hit Neath

Neath ................ 17 Cross Keys .... 34

POINTS were at a premium in this relegation dogfight at the Gnoll as Cross Keys claimed a vital victory over crisis club Neath.

With no fewer than 11 players drafted in on permit from junior clubs to compose their match squad, a beleaguered Neath withstood early pressur.

They struck back as flanker Craig Hill galloped over for a try which Callum Hall converted, also adding a penalty.

Keys finally found a cutting edge, back-rower Joe Thomas darting over for a try, converted by Jacob Botica, but Neath in return sent lively scrum-half Nicky Griffiths over from the base of an attacking scrum, the try again converted by Hall.

A strong finish by the visitors saw scrum-half Owain Leonard cut through for a try, Botica converting and adding a penalty to level the halftime score at 17 apiece.

Keys had the better of the second period, although guilty of committing unforced errors, preventing their stubborn opponents from registering points and pulling clear through tries scored by Botica and centre Leon Andrews, the former adding two conversions and a late penalty to seal the bonus-point win.

Neath in turn could take comfort from a spirited performance in defeat after a week where they had been docked six points by the WRU for failing to fulfil league fixtures against Bedwas and RGC. Star man Wes Cunliffe - Cross Keys