CROSS KEYS suffered more WRU National Cup heartache as they went down narrowly against Llandovery in their rearranged quarter-final tie at Pandy Park, writes Carl Field.

Morgan Stoddart’s side were bidding to reach the semi-finals for the fifth year in succession but they would ultimately fall just short.

Stuart Worrall’s try and three Jack Maynard penalties for twice former winners Llandovery cancelled out Mathew Powell’s score along with a conversion and two penalties from Josh Prosser for 2012 winners Keys.

This was only the second ever meeting between these sides in the competition, with the only previous one coming four years ago when Keys won a thrilling semi-final at the Gnoll.

Keys fly-half Prosser’s long-range penalty attempt fell just short on 12 minutes but, at the other end, opposing No10 Maynard did boot Llandovery into the lead from the tee six minutes later.

That was the way the scoreboard stayed for the remainder of the first half despite plenty of endeavour from both sides.

Wing Nathan Trowbridge produced an excellent tackle on 28 minutes after visiting full-back Kristian Jones’ chip and chase down the right.

The hosts then thought they had made the breakthrough a minute before half time after a drive for the line led by scrum-half James Leadbeater, but stout Drovers defending held them up.

Prosser then saw another penalty attempt fall short five minutes after the re-start, however they did finally break through on 50 minutes when right wing Powell was sent darting over in the left corner, with Prosser taking care of the extras to put Keys 7-3 ahead.

However, back came the Drovers who re-took the lead 8-7 after a try from flanker Worrall on 57 minutes with the conversion missed by Maynard.

Prosser booted his side back in front on 66 but the lead would soon change hands again with Maynard kicking his second penalty after Keys lock Scott Andrews was also yellow carded.

The penalty count continued with Prosser and Maynard again exchanging penalties with the latter proving decisive.

Cross Keys – Try: M Powell; Con: J Prosser; Pens: J Prosser (2)

Llandovery – Try: S Worrall; Pens: J Maynard (3)