The Blue and Blacks have recovered well from their British and Irish Cup qualifying play-off defeat to Pontypridd on the opening day of the season to record two back to back bonus point victories in the Principality Premiership.
In the opening Premiership fixture they comprehensively defeated Bridgend by 52-27 at the Arms Park, crossing for 8 tries in the process, including a hat-trick for winger George Watkins. Last week they defeated Llanelli 27-15, again at the Arms Park. As a result of these victories the Blue and Blacks find themselves at the top of the table at this early stage.
Last season The Keys claimed victories in all three of the fixtures between the sides. In the Principality Premiership back in November 2013 the Keys eased to an outstanding 38 points to 10 victory at the Arms Park and they completed the double at Pandy Park back in March with a 45 points to 13 victory. The sides also met in the Swalec Cup quarter final a week after that league fixture in March and Keys were again victorious at the Arms Park with a try by skipper Leon Andrews and 20 points from Dorian Jones securing a 25 points to 10 win.
Cross Keys team for Saturday’s game sees a total of nine changes to the side that started against Bedwas last week. Dragons Academy winger Lloyd Lewis makes his debut for Keys, whilst Dorian Jones replaces his brother Rhys at outside half. Prop Jack Condy and Keagan Bale also start for Keys for the first time at blindside flanker and loose head prop respectively
Cross Keys: 15 Ryan Lee 14 Elliott Jones 13 Leon Andrews (Capt) 12 Polu Uhi 11 Lloyd Lewis 10 Dorian Jones 9 James Leadbeater; 1 Keagan Bale 2 Jon Howard 3 Anthony Lott 4 Danny Hodge 5 Scott Andrews
6 Jack Condy 7 Scott Matthews 8 Adam Powell
Replacements: 16. Darren Hughes, 17. Luke Garrett, 18. Craig Gould, 19. Josh Skinner, 20. Nathan Williams, 21. Nathan Trowbridge, 22. Ryan James, 23. Simon Williams.
