CROSS Keys are expecting a reaction to an opening day disappointment when they host Cardiff in the Principality Premiership on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

Keys let an 18-6 half-time lead slip at Church Bank and headed back to Pandy Park empty-handed after a 30-20 defeat.

Trips to the Drovers are notoriously tricky but the manner of the defeat has led to a spiky atmosphere in training ahead of the visit of the Blue and Blacks.

Team manager Mark Prangell said: "Llandovery is always tough place to go but individual mistakes cost us badly – it was definitely one that got away.

"Every club looks forward to the first game after all the work of pre-season but we didn't get off to the sort of start that we wanted.

"As you'd expect we have worked hard on defence this week and there's no doubt that the players will be up for it against Cardiff.

"They have been hurting after the Llandovery defeat and hopefully they will use that frustration on Saturday. We will be very disappointed if there isn't a reaction.

"We can't afford to stand off Cardiff like we did Llandovery and we have to take them on up front with Richie Rees controlling things from scrum-half."

Keys have suffered a blow with the news that a hamstring twinge will rule out wing Nathan Trowbridge for between two to four weeks.

The Blue and Blacks – who play their opening eight games of the season on the road because the Arms Park is being used as a World Cup fanzone – are also attempting to get up and running after suffering a 26-12 defeat at Aberavon.

- Cross Keys Past Players Association, now in its 10th year, will hold its first meeting of the new season before the team entertains Cardiff.

All past players are welcome to attend and enjoy pre-match hospitality. Meet at the clubhouse at 12.30. AGM at 1pm.