JUST three points separate Cross Keys and their Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale in the Principality Premiership play-off chase after they secured an excellent away victory at Carmarthen Quins, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

It seems the Pandy Park side are peaking at just the right time as they chalked up their seventh win in a row

An entertaining and exciting encounter started with what was a scrappy first quarter.

Keys had squandered an excellent try-scoring opportunity early on before Quins’ abundance of territory and possession finally yielded a return when they were awarded a penalty try.

It was converted by No 10 Craig Evans after Keys dragged down a driving lineout that was going over their try-line.

The visitors should have been on level terms just a matter of seconds later after their skipper and centre Leon Andrews powered through the Quins defence.

But his pass was dropped by outside half Ethan Davies, a real dolly, who should have crossed under the posts.

He went someway to atoning for that blunder when he slotted over a 24th minute penalty as the Gwent side battled to get back into the game.

He should have nailed another one soon after when Quins infringed at a ruck as another chance was wasted.

Disaster struck for Keys two minutes before the interval when opposing centre Jason Harries set up a lovely try for full back Dion Jones who ran in an unconverted score to make it 12-3.

But the Pandy Park side hit back in style when centre Phil Williams put in wing Polu Uhi, who took an excellent line, for a try converted by Davies right on the stroke of half-time.

Keys started the second 40 minutes well and attacked the hosts’ try-line with blindside flanker yellow carded for killing the ball with the visitors poised to cross for their second try.

From the ensuing scrum after the penalty, number eight Jack Condy powered over for a touchdown, after confirmation from the television match official courtesy of the S4C cameras transmitting the game live.

A fine conversion extended their lead to 17-12 five minutes into the half.

Keys really pushed home their advantage over the 14-men of the Quins when some slick handling from both backs and forwards allowed Condy to cross for his second try, Davies again converting.

The home side fought to get back into the game but a number of basic mistakes and silly penalties prevented them building up a head of steam as Keys comfortably held them out.

The visitors’ back row of Condy, blindside Adam Powell and Scott Matthews were superb in attack and defence as their side went in search of a bonus point try as Keys also began to give the Quins a torrid time in the scrums as well.

But the West Walians were right back in it when Harries again set up Dion Jones for his second try, Evans’ conversion making it 24-19.

Davies missed a penalty with four minutes to go after Keys had destroyed the Quins’ scrum.

They held out in a shaky last few minutes as Quins frantically tried to keep alive their ailing play-off challenge.

Carmarthen Quins scorers: Tries – Penalty try (18), Dion Jones (38) (66), Conversions – Evans (18) (66), Penalties –

Cross Keys scorers: Tries – Uhi (40), Condy (45) (50), Conversions – Davies (40) (45) (50), Penalties – Davies (24)

Referee: Simon Rees (Beaufort)

Argus star man: Jack Condy