The Wizards have had an unusually poor season so far with just one win and a draw from their 11 league matches this season. Their solitary win came against current league leaders Bedwas at the Talbot Athletic Ground at the end of September while the draw was the result of a highly entertaining game with Llandovery.
After travelling to Ireland in the British & Irish Cup with a bare minimum of players available for selection, Keys are able to welcome back such players as Kristian Baller, Adam Powell, Nathan Trowbridge and Nathan Williams to the match day squad.
For Aberavon, fly half Jamie Davies, who is on the verge of breaking all manner of new records, is out of the game after pulling his groin in training this week. Craig Evans starts in his place and combines with Nathan Jones at scrum half. Sam Williams, who is pushing for a place with the Ospreys, leads the side as the Wizards look to get back to winning ways.
Keys were victorious over Aberavon at Pandy Park earlier this season, registering a comfortable 37-11 bonus point win.
Centre Luke Ford crossed twice with midfield partner Aled James also scoring. Lock Danny Hodge and Adam Powell added further scores with Dean Gunter kicking two conversions and two penalties. For the Wizards, points came from a Ben Thomas try and two penalties by Craig Evans.
Although Aberavon are having a poor season by their normal high standards, Keys will certainly not be complacent and will not want to be the team that gives the Wizards they’re second victory of the season.
Aberavon: 15 Howard Thomas 14 Richard Carter 13 Ben John 12 Matthew Jenkins 11 Steffan Andrews 10 Craig Evans 9 Nathan Jones, 1 Rowan Jenkins 2 Ieuan Davies 3 Andrew Clatworthy 4 Ian Moore 5 Sam Williams (c) 6 Benjamin Thomas 7 Christopher Davies 8 Nathan Strong.
Replacements: Jonathan Phillips, David Thomas, Gareth Harvey, Joseph Tomalin-Reeves, Gavin Ronan, Neil White, Christopher John, Richard Morris.
Cross Keys: 15 Steffan Jones 14 Kristian Baller 13 Luke Williams 12 Will Owen 11 Jonathan Lewis 10 Dorian Jones 9 Ryan James, 1 Nathan Williams 2 Gerwyn Price 3 Anthony Lott 4 Danny Hodge 5 Ollie Hodge 6 Scott Matthews 7 Rob Nash (c) 8 Adam Powell.
Replacements: Richard Cornock, Garry Horrigan, Craig Gould, Sean Higgins, Nathan Williams, Gareth David, Dean Gunter, Nathan Trowbridge.
