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Neath RFC

Storm Eowyn may not have impacted as heavily upon South Wales as it did other parts of the country but Neath RFC were blasted by Storm Cross Keys who deservedly ran out winners with a bonus-point at muddy Pandy Park.

The ground was not in its best condition but, after all that Keys have endured this season, that was to be expected – the Gwent club who had not played a home game since mid-October, fully relished their home-coming and Neath rugby folk will not begrudge them a bit of joy.

Injury problems behind the scrum forced Neath into behind the scrum changes and skipper Ben Williams was among the forwards rested after a heavy post-Christmas programme.

While conditions underfoot still held, Cross Keys had first use of the slope and took the lead with a try by flanker Louis Pullen. Centre Adam Tetley added the conversion points and then a penalty to put the home side 10-nil up after 15 minutes.

Box-kicking is much in vogue these days and winger Iestyn Morgan was called upon for some sterling defensive work as accomplished Keys halves Rhys Jones and Dan Babos dictated.

Midway through the half Neath opened their account when flanker Casey Williams crossed – it was his his first try for the Club which is surprising as he has been been one of the Blacks’  most consistent performers.

Another reliable regular Steff Williams, skippering the side from full back, converted to bring it back to 7-10 but Keys, enjoying their return home for the first time in nearly four months, wasted little time in hitting back.

Neath have largely got away with conceding some soft tries this season. But on this occasion it cost them dear – Keys hit Neath with two quick unconverted tries by prop Rhys Hunt and scrum-half Dan Babos and Neath were fortunate to be no more than 7-20 adrift at the interval.

Half-time – Cross Keys 20 points, Neath 7 points

On an energy-sapping pitch, Neath needed to up their effort and make slope advantage count in the second-half but it was Keys who scored first when Tetley kicked his second penalty and it was 7-23.

Neath’s score was not long in coming though – and a nice one it was as centre Matthew Jenkins bagged his sixth try of the season and Williams’ conversion made it 14-23.

Try as they might though, Neath could make no further headway against a determined Keys outfit. The set-pieces were even but Keys showed a huge hunger and nous to outplay Neath in the tackle.

Their weightier maul was more effective than Neath’s and, with 15 minutes remaining, it was Keys who were celebrating with a bonus point try by replacement hooker Connah Hughes which Tetley converted to make it 14-30.

Neath were beaten – but not down – long before the final whistle and it was only determined defence which prevented Keys from adding to their tally and Keys are showing an admirable capacity to turn their winter crisis in their favour.

A third league defeat of the season does not exactly throw Neath into crisis but the All Blacks need to bounce back quickly. Next Saturday, Neath have a home game against Newcastle Emlyn, conquerors Brecon, on Saturday at The Gnoll (kick off 2.30pm).

CROSS KEYS – B Roberts; R Miller, D Thomas, A Tetley, L Donnelly; R Jones, D Babos; R Hunt, N Huish, R Cornock; J Verrier, K Lewis; S Llewellyn C Nicholls (capt), L.Pullen Repl – J Wisniewski, C Hughes, T Burnham, C Hague, C Davies, D Buffrey, B Murphy, T Sullivan

NEATH – S Williams (capt); N Orrells (D Ceredig), R Wall, M Jenkins, I Morgan; G Richards, R Cole (C Tantum); M Morgan (J Jones), J Clark (E Kneath), T Dabeh (B Uphill); C Arnold (J Blackmore), M Davies; G Tremlett, O Morgan, (B Williams), C Williams (K Jones)

Referee – Mr N James (Abersychan)

Images courtesy of Len Kowalski www.lensworkphotography.co.uk

@NeathTog