BARNEY Nightingale scored at the death as Cross Keys came from behind to beat Llanelli in a closely-fought Principality Premiership encounter on a cold winter evening at Parc y Scarlets, writes Jay Bayford.

The visitors were looking to extend their winning run to three games but things didn’t go to plan as Llanelli took just five minutes to take the lead when Nathan Hart found space on the outside to run in the game’s first try with Dion Jones converting.

Keys responded well and got their first points on the board through the boot of Josh Prosser. They continued to enjoy possession but for all their pressure, they struggled to reach the try line and had to settle for a second Prosser penalty instead of a try, which reduced the deficit to one point.

The hosts took that as a warning and dominated the remainder of the first half. But despite constant pressure, they couldn’t turn possession in to a second try. But they did manage to increase their lead with a Jones penalty.

Cross Keys improved in the final minutes of the half but they were almost caught on the counter when Rhodri Cole intercepted a pass, but his kick to supporting attackers was off target. Keys made their late pressure count to win a penalty, which Prosser booted with the final kick of the first 40.

The hosts regained control of the game after the break and after a period of sustained pressure, they won a penalty, which Jones kicked to extend Llanelli’s lead to four points. Keys responded instantly with a penalty of their own through James Thomas, who replaced first-choice kicker Prosser minutes earlier.

Llanelli continued to attack and won their third penalty of the game, which Jones comfortably scored to give the hosts a bit of breathing space. But Keys refused to be beaten and in the final minutes Nightingale found space on the wing to complete the comeback for the visitors. Thomas wrapped up the victory with the conversion.

Next up for Keys is a trip to the capital to play Cardiff, where they will hope to return to winning ways, on November 25. Llanelli visit Neath the day after.

Llanelli - Try: N Hart; Con D Jones; Pens: D Jones (3).

Cross Keys - Try: B Nightingale; Con: J Thomas; Pens: J Prosser (3), J Thomas.