Pontypool RFC v Cross Keys RFC

Leighton Jones is pleased to have the opportunity to keep the momentum going with the visit of Cross Keys RFC to Pontypool Park tomorrow night.

The WRU Admiral National Championship fixture was initially due to be played last weekend but the postponed WRU Championship Cup tie with Bargoed RFC meant the Gwent derby had to make way.

However, the two clubs have made quick arrangements to get this game back on the fixture list with both teams looking to continue their good form.

Pooler look to continue their perfect record this season and come into the game following a morale-boosting cup victory over Bargoed RFC.

Keys also booked their place in the last four of the cup last weekend and have won three of their last four in the league to sit fourth in the table, one point behind Bargoed.

“It was obviously disappointing when the cup game was called off but luckily enough Keys have agreed to come over Friday,” said head coach Jones.

“They are probably in the same boat as us, they want to keep their momentum going, they’ve had a couple of good wins and into the semi-finals of the cup.

“It's probably great that we’ve got Keys next.

“Most teams, they have a quarter-final of a cup against a big rival, you go out and get a win and sometimes the week after training is a bit more low key and maybe attitudes are not where they should be.

“I think the squad we’ve got here doesn’t really allow that but there is nothing better than a Gwent derby against one of your local rivals to keep the attitudes on point for the week.

“We’re looking forward to them coming over and it should be a great Gwent derby.

“There are a lot of boys here who have played for Keys and a few boys at Keys who have been at this club.

“A lot of the boys know each other, the clubs have played a lot of rugby against each other and got great respect for each other so we know we are in for a battle.

“Keys are definitely on the up and improving.”

Not only is it a chance to build on last weekend’s victory but it’s also a chance to alleviate the strain on the fixture list with plenty of other games still to rearrange. It also gives the players and supporters a rare outing in the evening.

“We are mindful that we’ve had a fair few games off,” added Jones.

“We’ve been in contact with all the clubs. Keys came back quite quickly, which is credit to them and Narberth RFC the same but some of the other clubs have been a bit slow on getting back to us on when they want to rearrange.

“It’s ideal these next two weekends leading into Neath RFC to keep the momentum going.

“I can’t even remember the last time [we had a night game].

‘It’s ideal with the Six Nations on Saturday, why not play on a Friday?

"The crowd can come and watch a game on the Friday night and it gives the boys a different challenge and mindset to a normal Saturday afternoon.

“It’s a quick turnaround but it also gives the boys a nice weekend off their families and it’s another league game in the bag.”