Keys open up Wizards

Apr 20 2008 Wales On Sunday

Cross Keys 31-14 Aberavon

ABERAVON minds appeared more on next Saturday’s Cup semi-final as Keys finished just inches short of a try bonus point.

It was Keys all the way after taking a third-minute lead that they never looked likely to lose, and backs coach David Manley urged them on to a fourth try in the pouring rain, but a knock-on in the final move saw the point elude them.

The Wizards had no magic wand this time and their only real move saw fly-half Ricky Thomas make a good break to send centre Ashley Beck racing over.

But Keys took the honours with Scott Sneddon supplying 16 points from his educated left boot and first-half tries going to lively hooker Lloyd Burns and smart young centre Karl Pocock.

Though Ricky Thomas placed three penalties, Keys gained their final try when Burns sent wing James Leadbeter past several defenders to the line.

Cross Keys: Tries – L Burns, K Pocock, J Leadbeter; cons – S Sneddon (2); pens – S Sneddon (4).

Aberavon: Try – A Beck; pens – R Thomas (3).