Cross Keys survived an almighty scare thanks to a try with the very last play to beat Aberavon 17-13 in the Principality Premiership on January 17.
Keys went ahead in the fourth minute when outside-half Ethan Davies slotted over a routine penalty.
It was the Wizards who scored next thanks to a long range penalty from full back Matthew Jarvis after 15 minutes of play.
The ‘Keys came close to a breakaway try after around half an hour when a quick turnover saw the ball worked out wide to winger Elliott Jones. He kicked a loose pass ahead but could not quite free himself enough to sprint after the ball, which eventually bounced into touch.
Aberavon took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Matthew Jarvis kicked his second penalty of the game.
The second-half saw the Wizards start brightly and it was no surprise when after five minutes of the half they extended their lead when a powerful scrum five was driven over, with number eight Ben Thomas emerging with the ball. Jarvis Converted the try. ‘Keys made three changes in the front row which appeared to make a big difference.
The improvement looked like it might be undone when ‘Keys scrum-half Rhys Dyer was shown a straight red card for a tip tackle on Wizards number eight Ben Thomas off the base of a scrum with around 25 minutes remaining. The resulting penalty kick was missed by Jarvis.
The sending off appeared unite Keys and they grabbed their first try just five minutes later when skipper Leon Andrews went over. Ethan Davies converted as ‘Keys launched their comeback with around 15 minutes remaining.
Despite ‘Keys best efforts it looked like it was going to be a bridge too far as the Wizards forced ‘Keys to touch down over their own line with under five minutes left.
The scrum saw ‘Keys under pressure but they managed to break free and stay in field with the game entering added time. The ball was eventually worked out wide to Man of the Match James Cordy-Redden who crossed for the winning try.
• Match report by David Glastonbury. www.crosskeysrfc.com