CROSS Keys’ excellent run of form saw them win their third league match in a row with a convincing victory over Swansea at St Helen’s.

The fact they will probably be slightly disappointed they came so close to securing a hat-trick of bonus point triumphs shows just how far coach Greg Woods’ men have come.

A scrappy opening – memorable only for a couple of outstanding bursts from Key’ excellent hooker Gerwyn Price – remained scoreless until the 23rd minute when wing Elliot Jones broke the deadlock with a try.

The 20-year-old wing did well to beat the covering defence after a neat kick ahead by full back Gareth David following some good work by flyer Nathan Trowbridge who opened up Swansea in midfield.

Outside half Dorian Jones’ excellent touchline conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead.

And an another superb place kick by the new recruit from Ebbw Vale, this time a penalty from just inside the home side’s half, put Keys further ahead.

But the All Whites immediately hit back. With the Gwent side’s defence asleep, forceful No 8 Dan Baker tore through them and his bizarre cross kick fell into the arms of back row colleague James McKenna, the blindside crashing over for a try.

The conversion by No 10 Nicky Thomas brought the score back to 10-7 which remained the half-time score.

Keys were out of the blocks far quicker than the hosts after the interval and loosehead prop Richard Cornock powered over in the 49th minute for their second try.

David had nearly scored in the same move after a fine cross kick by Dorian Jones who landed another sweet conversion to give Keys a 17-7 lead.

The fly half added a penalty before a lovely Keys try was created by outstanding centre Luke Ford bursting through from halfway before a well-timed pass saw Trowbridge home after 55 minutes to put them 25-7 up.

Keys hunted for a bonus point but it was Swansea who got the game’s only other try, a late converted touchdown by outside-half Thomas.

Swansea scorers: Tries – James McKenna, Nicky Thomas, Conversions – Nicky Thomas (2).

Cross Keys scorers: Tries – Elliot Jones, Richard Cornock, Nathan Trowbridge, Conversions – Dorian Jones (2), Penalties – D Jones (2).

Argus star man: Dorian Jones