AN error-strewn performance saw Cross Keys’ winless run extend to four games following a heavy defeat to Aberavon, writes Jay Bayford.

Keys couldn’t make home advantage count as a combination of poor handling and clinical finishing saw the Wizards run in five tries in the first half.

Jason Hyatt’s men were up and running after just three minutes when prop Rowan Jenkins touched down for his first try of the season, with full-back Chris Banfield converting.

The visitors dominated possession but their second try came from a scrum with number eight Andrew Waite picking up the ball and evading a few challenges to touch down, again Banfield converted.

Waite turned provider midway through the half to put left winger Jonathan Phillips clean through before a quick-fire double gave Aberavon a comfortable 33-0 lead at the break.

A fourth penalty try in three games earned them a bonus point before scrum-half Jacob Flynn sealed an impressive 40 minutes with a try in the corner, converted by Banfield.

The hosts improved after the break and got their first points on the board thanks to Dan Babos, who replaced scrum-half Owain Leonard at the break. Declan Williams added the extras from the tee.

But Aberavon’s response was immediate with replacement Rhys Henry going over and Banfield re-established the 33-point lead with the conversion.

The momentum stayed with Aberavon and Joe Tomalin-Reeves latched on to Iwan Shenton’s kick forward to claim the Wizards’ seventh try while James Garland took over kicking duty to bag his first points of the game.

Will Kelly, who replaced winger Joshua Adams in the first half, and a penalty try gave the home crowd something to cheer about in the final minutes but it was too late to produce a miraculous comeback.

Cross Keys: Tries: D Babos, W Kelly, Pen Try; Con: D Williams.

Aberavon: Tries: R Jenkins, A Waite, J Phillips, Pen Try, J Flynn, R Henry, J Tomalin-Reeves; Cons: C Banfield (4), J Garland.