CROSS Keys’ recent run of good form continued as they took Carmarthen Quins’ unbeaten league record this season in a thrilling encounter, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

It was the proverbial game of two halves as the hosts led 20-5 early after the interval only for the visitors to so nearly stage a remarkable comeback.

Keys completely dominated the first quarter – fly half Angus O’Brien uncharacteristically missing two shots at goal – but it was the Quins who took the lead after wing Gavin Thomas crossed for an unconverted try after the hosts’ full back Ryan Lee had his kick charged down.

The home side were stung into action and their powerful scrum rumbled over the visitors’ line in the 26th minute, blindside flanker Tom Lampard crossing for a converted try.

With the Pandy Park side annihilating Quins in the scrum, a penalty try soon followed, O’Brien’s conversion giving his side a 14-5 lead and a further penalty stretched their advantage just before the interval.

A further O’Brien shot at goal pushed Keys up to 20-5 early in the second half as they maintained their stranglehold on the game.

To their credit, the West Walians hit back when wing Chris Banfield crossed for their second try after a sustained period of pressure, fly half Dan Jones getting the extras.

In a complete sea change, for most of the third quarter, Quins started to get the edge in the scrum and boss the game, a timely interception by lock Simon Williams saving the day for Keys on one occasion.

Replacement outside half Craig Evans brought the visitors to within five points when he slotted over a penalty in front of the posts with six minutes to go.

Quins laid siege to the hosts’ line and looked as if they might win it, but Keys held on to take the spoils in a nail-biting denouement.

In their last three games, Keys have beaten two quality sides at home in Llanelli and Quins and drawn away at Llandovery.

Cross Keys scorers: Tries – Tom Lampard, Penalty, Conversions – O’Brien (2), Penalties – O’Brien (2)

Carmarthen Quins scorers: Tries – Gavin Thomas, Chris Banfield, Conversion – Dan Jones, Penalty – Craig Evans

Referee: Gwyn Morris (Cardiff)

Argus star man: Scott Matthews