CROSS Keys maintained their excellent winning streak by overcoming an 18-6 half-time deficit to record their fifth league victory in a row.

Their remarkable triumph, in a highly entertaining encounter, also keeps their Principality Premiership dreams alive with a tough away trip to Carmarthen Quins looming on March 22.

After being 12 points down at the interval, despite creating some golden try-scoring opportunities in the first half, Greg Woods’ men turned the tables on the Drovers to lead 28-18 after 55 minutes with a stunning attacking blitz.

A lively opening saw Llandovery outside half Ian Brooks put his side into the lead with a penalty after five minutes.

Keys nearly got the game’s first try just after that when a lovely Ethan Davies offload found centre and captain Phil Williams, only for the ball to be turned over just short of the visitors’ try-line.

But the Drovers were penalised and Davies slotted a penalty to bring the sides back on level terms.

The visitors were soon ahead again when Brooks nailed his second penalty after his side’s forwards had annihilated the home side’s scrum.

A powerful run by impressive number eight Jack Condy should have resulted in the opening touchdown only for openside flanker Reuben Tucker to knock on with the try-line at his mercy.

But it was the men from Carmarthenshire who crossed the whitewash first, number eight Richard Brooks, brother of Ian, bagging an unconverted try for an 11-3 lead from a lineout five metres from the opposition line.

Things got worse for the hosts after 20 minutes when their lock Dan Hodge was yellow carded for offending at a ruck.

The lively winger Elliott Jones was looking sharp for Keys but the Drovers defence held firm as the home side looked to spin the ball on a glorious spring day.

Williams made a lovely break for the Pandy Park outfit and his fellow centre Nathan Williams nearly scored that elusive try after showing great handling skills to catch a difficult pass only for the ball to be knocked on once again after it was recycled.

But Davies then gave Keys the points they deserved for all their pressure when he kicked his second penalty to reduce the deficit to five points with nearly 30 minutes on the clock.

When No 8 Richard Brooks was yellow carded for a ruck offence, it looked as though Keys would turn the screw.

But it was Llandovery who dealt a huge blow when No 10 Ian Brooks crossed and converted his try with the last move of a first half which saw his side lead 18-6.

Keys made a few changes at the interval, scrum half Ryan James coming on for James Cordy-Redden with James Leadbeater moving from No 9 to full back, while number eight Adam Powell replaced openside Tucker.

And what a difference they were to make, as well as tighthead prop Anthony ‘Vinny’ Lott who replaced Craig Gould in the 38th minute.

The hosts were the first to score in the second half, Davies drilling over a 43rd minute penalty.

The Drovers were soon down to 13 men when Wales international Rhodri Williams was sin binned for a tip tackle.

Keys took advantage when Williams crossed in the corner for a sparkling team try after a superb run by Condy.

An excellent touchline conversion brought the home side back to within two points.

They took the lead in the 47th minute for the first time when the brilliant Jones finished well in the corner for an unconverted try.

With Keys tearing the Drovers apart almost at will, Powell scored their third try after more wonderful play, Davies again managing to kick a tricky conversion for a 28-18 lead.

Replacement Richard Rees brought the Droves back in the game with an unconverted try to set up a grandstand finish with 12 minutes to go.

A wonderful Davies penalty took them at least a converted try ahead at 31-23 with ten minutres left.

The Drovers went in search for at least a losing bonus point but they were frustrated in their quest by some stout Keys defence.

It was a special day for Keys’ stalwart loosehead prop Richard Cornock who made his 200th appearance for the club.

Cross Keys: James Cordy-Redden (Ryan James 41), Elliott Jones, Nathan Williams, Phil Williams (capt), Nathan Trowbridge, Ethan Davies, James Leadbeater, Richard Cornock, Darren Hughes (Jon Howard 69), Craig Gould (Anthony Lott 38), Danny Hodge (Scott Andrews 60), Tom Lampard (Simon Williams 69), Josh Skinner, Reuben Tucker (Adam Powell 41), Jack Condy Replacements: Gwesyn Price-Jones, Polu Uhi.

Cross Keys scorers: Tries – Williams (47), Jones (51), Powell (55), Conversions – Davies (47, 55), Penalties – Davies (8, 29, 43,70).

Llandovery: Jacob Clement, Aaron Warren, Mike Evans, Rhodri Jones, Matthew Jacobs (capt), Ian Brooks, Rhodri Williams, Jamie Kaijaks (Lewys Jonathan 41), Luke Lewis (Berian Watkins 70), Andrew Jones, Bryn Griffiths (Jake Simm 77), Matthew Harbut, Andrew Green (Richard Catchpole 65), Richard Bloomfield (Richard Rees 50), Richard Brooks Replacements: Tom Ball, James Garland, Lee Rees.

Llandovery scorers: Tries – Richard Brooks (18), Ian Brooks (40), Richard Rees (68), Conversion – Ian Brooks (40), Penalties – Ian Brooks (5, 13).

Referee: Dan Jones (WRU)

Argus star man: Jack Condy