IT was a disappointing evening for Cross Keys as they lost to Aberavon at the Talbot Athletic Ground, making it back-to-back defeats in the Principality Premiership, writes Jay Bayford.

After losing to Carmarthen Quins last weekend, Keys looked to get back to winning ways with a bright start but after an evenly contested opening quarter of an hour they almost fell behind when Aberavon winger Shaun Pearce followed his kick forward in the 15th minute.

Keys scrum-half Owain Leonard was alert to the danger and it became a straight race between the pair to get to the ball first.

Leonard won the race to the ball and managed to clear the danger with Pearce breathing down his neck.

The Wizards started to get on the front foot and five minutes later opposite winger Jay Baker did go over. A passing move from right to left ended with Joe Tomalin-Reeves playing a blind pass to Baker, who managed to shrug off a number of weak tackles to cross the line. Tomalin-Reeves had to be replaced moments later while James Garland missed the conversion.

Leon Andrews and Mathew Powell looked to bring Keys back into the game after the break as they used their pace and power to good effect but Aberavon managed to keep them at bay.

However, an illegal tackle from Powell on Pearce undid their good work and Garland took advantage of the penalty to extend the Wizards’ lead.

The fly half, and captain, added a second three pointer minutes later as Aberavon pulled away.

Keys refused to give up and set up a grandstand finish when Scott Matthews forced the ball over the line and Josh Prosser added the conversion.

But an immediate response from Chris Banfield, after superb play from Baker, put the hosts back in control and Garland added the extras.

Replacement prop Jordan Walters then sealed the result in Aberavon’s favour with another try converted by Garland. Aberavon: Tries: J Baker, C Banfield, J Walters; Cons: J Garland (2); Pen: J Garland (2).

Cross Keys: Try: S Matthews; Con: J Prosser.