The Ravens will be looking to build on an impressive victory against last season’s runners up, Llanelli at Brewery Field last weekend, with Keys keen to avenge a disappointing defeat at home to Pontypridd.
Bridgend have made a host of changes to their side for the weekend’s clash. Ross Jones switches to his more familiar position of full back with John Leyshon taking his place in the centre. Kyle Barrett replaces the injured Tom Habberfield at scrum half, with Adam Hillier Rees, Lloyd Peers and Ashleigh James all coming into the pack. Arthur Ellis returns from injury to take his place on the substitutes bench with scrum half Chris Williams, recently signed from Llanharan, also on the bench.
Bridgend head coach Ben Rose believes Keys will provide a different challenge for his Ravens side. “They are a different challenge. I expect a physical battle and our boys have got to step up to the plate in this area first,” he said.
“Last Saturday showed that we are dangerous from anywhere and sides need to be wary of that. We are mindful that Cross Keys had a really successful season last year and this is going to be a tough test.
“Playing away from home is always difficult in the Premiership but we are looking forward to it. I know that the Bridgend faithful with be there in good voice and we hope to give them something to shout about.”
Bridgend captain Jonathon Vaughan is also wary of the challenge laying ahead for his side.
“The squad is on a real high after our narrow victory last weekend. This is our first challenge away from home and going to Gwent is never easy.
“We know what it takes to win at Pandy Park having won there last season. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better this year so we can play the style we want to play. They had a great season last year, so it will be a tough day at the office – no doubt.”
Last season, Bridgend completed an impressive double over the SWALEC Cup winners. The Ravens won a tight encounter at Brewery Field 30-29 with a last minute penalty from stand in goal kicker Gareth Howells. In the reverse fixture, the Ravens stormed to an impressive 6-23 win in horrendous conditions at Pandy Park.
With pre-season injuries still having a significant effect on the Cross Keys squad, changes are minimal. Fit again Nathan Trowbridge makes his first appearance of the season coming in for Luke Williams on the wing. Up front Craig Gould starts at tight-head in place of Anthony Lott and Jamie Sollis comes in to the back row with Rhys Peebles making way.
Bridgend: 15 Ross Jones 14 Rhys Williams 13 John Leyshon 12 Nathan Edwards 11 Luke Morgan 10 Jamie Murphy 9 Kyle Barrett, 1 Marc Thomas 2 Ashleigh James 3 Jonathan Thomas 4 Lloyd Peers 5 Lee Davies 6 Jonathan Vaughan (c) 7 Lloyd Evans 8 Adam Hillier-Evans.
Replacements: Matthew Dwyer, Ken Dowding, Dan Sutter, Alex Jones, Arthur Ellis, Ben Thomas, Chris Williams, Ashley Evans.
Cross Keys: 15 Gareth David 14 Nathan Williams 13 Leon Andrews 12 Luke Ford 11 Nathan Trowbridge 10 Dean Gunter 9 Ryan James, 1 Richard Cornock 2 Gerwyn Price 3 Craig Gould 4 Danny Hodge 5 Ollie Hodge 6 Jamie Sollis 7 Rob Nash 8 Adam Powell.
Replacements: Sean Higgins, Garry Horrigan, James Johnstone, Scott Matthews, Aled James, Elliott Jones, Jonathan Lewis, Dorian Jones.
