Cross Keys RFC v Pontypool RFC

Leighton Jones is expecting a lively encounter when Pontypool RFC make the short trip to Cross Keys RFC this weekend.

Pooler enjoyed their last trip to Pandy Park as they came away with a satisfying 54-3 victory but head coach Jones isn’t expecting a repeat scoreline and insists it’s never an easy place to go.

“It’s a Gwent derby and no Gwent derbies are easy,” he said.

“There is a lot of history between the two clubs so we’re expecting a big battle. When the clubs go against each other it’s always a tasty affair.

“Last week the boys had a point to prove, this week they’ve got a point to back up.

“They put a decent shift in so they’ve got to back it up.

“We’ve tweaked a few things since Christmas and changed our style a little bit so I’m looking for that to come through a bit.

“There’s certain moves and plays we’re looking for and players to really stand up and come forward with their skillset to get us on the front foot.”

Jones has largely kept faith with the side that saw off Bedwas RFC at Pontypool Park last weekend.

Former Keys men Corey Hewlett and Ieuan Jones are two of three changes that head coach Jones has made with Duan Thomas also coming in to bolster the backs.

Garin Price, who bagged a brace last time out, Ashley Sweet and captain Scott Matthews have also represented Keys before meaning a third of the starting XV will be heading back to face their former side. Scrum-half Owain Leonard, who is named as a replacement, also lists Cross Keys as a previous club.

Peter Lloyd and Sam Scarfe, who made their debut and first start against Bedwas RFC respectively, impressed enough to keep their place.

“They both done well. Sam has come in and he’s been really keen and eager and has had a really great attitude,” continued Jones.

“He’s training all the time, he’s hungry and chomping at the bit and it was lovely to see him out there going well on Saturday with a start.

“Peter is a seasoned campaigner, he’s got a lot of Premiership games under his belt and it was nice to see him playing rugby and smiling rather than just doing rehab and being frustrated.

“We’ve got five boys in the starting XV who have put the Keys jersey on and they’re looking forward to going back over to their old stomping ground and putting in a performance in a Pontypool jersey.”