ABERAVON gained a five point win despite Cross Keys having almost all the second half play, but the Wizards led the try cound by 4 to 2 and just kept alive their play off hopes, writes Howard Evans.

The game exploded into action with both sides willing to run and Aberavon wing Jay Baker had a particularly good burst.

Aberavon took the lead after 7 minutes when swift passing saw Joe Gage send wing Stef Andrews in for his ninth league try that Cameron Clement converted.

The game was fast and furious but Keys lost Dan Hodge to a yellow card though they almost scored when Leon Andrews burst through.

The fourteen man Keys side hit back with a corner try by wing Nathan Trowbridge in the 20th minute and fly half Ethan Davies landed the conversion from the touchline.

However, Aberavon regained the lead when Baker and Andrews combined to send scrum half David Pritchard racing clear to take it to 14-8 in favour of Aberavon.

Leon Andrews stood out for Keys with a fine burst but Aberavon had most of the play, though good tackling halted both sides.

Aberavon suddenly burst away with Joe Gage and Stef Andrews combining to send Baker over and Clement converted.

The interval was reached with Aberavon leading by 22-8 but Keys still very much in it.

Keys went straight to the attack from the restart and centre Nathan Williams was held up over the line.

The scrum went to Keys and another followed even closer to the posts as they drove for a second try and gained it when Davies sent Leon Andrews over.

Tomalin-Reeves came off looking dazed for Aberavon and Gage soon followed with Keys now having most of the possession and looking for their third try.

Both sides rang the changes but Aberavon were losing their way and were on the back foot.

Scott Matthews was pushed out at the corner flag but a Keys try was looking on as Davies banged another kick to the corner.

Time after time Keys opted to take a scrum rather than the two point penalty, but after several efforts they conceded a free kick to Aberavon.

Both sides swapped forwards around but the game was being played almost totally in the Aberavon half and confined mainly to the two packs. Against the run of play Chris Davies went over for Aberavon's bonus point try and Garland kicked a touchline conversion.

Keys tried hard but Aberavon leapt over both Keys and Newport in the table.

Scorers: Aberavon – Tries: S Andrews, D Pritchard, J Baker, C Davies. Cons: C Clement (2), J Garland.

Cross Keys – Tries: N Trowbridge, L Andrews. Cons: E Davies (2). Pens: ??.

Man of the match: L Andrews (Cross Keys)