By a strange coincidence, both sides’ last outings saw them defeat Aberavon – and both beat them by a 10-point margin – Keys winning 15-5 and Neath 24-14. This suggests a close contest is in store at The Gnoll. Back in November, Keys beat Neath 27-10 in the League at Pandy Park but Neath beat them in the Cup last season 19-12.
Neath are likely to make several changes to the team which beat Aberavon with Dafydd Howells and Jordan Collier on Wales Under 20’s duty and Luke Williams and Gareth Gravell cup-tied. Speedsters Ceri Young and Dale Ford and lock James Goode (unavailable on Boxing Day) are likely to return while Leon Ward and Kyle Tayler will be keen to get an opportunity in the back-row.
Keys will be without influential captain Leon Andrews who is injured but the real battle will be up front where Keys the Hodge brothers are always combative.
Neath coach Neil Edwards said, “We worked hard for our two Christmas wins and again, we need to build on the performances. We’ll need to show the same iron control and discipline will be vital because Keys live on the edge up front.”
Neath v Cross Keys (Home) Probable
15 Aaron Bramwell; 14 Alec Jenkins, 13 Dale Ford, 12 Arron Pinches, 11 Ceri Young; 10 David Langdon, 9 Josh Davies; 1 Roy Jones, 2 Sion Crocker, 3 Marc Jones, 4 Gavin Evans, 5 Jack Jones, 6 Lee Evans (captain), 7 Kyle Tayler, 8 Leon Ward
