CROSS Keys are hoping the early bird will catch the worm when they bid to make it a superb start to the Principality Premiership season at Carmarthen Quins, writes Chris Kirwan.

Keys will be rising early to head west for a 12.30pm kick-off with the aim of stretching a six-game unbeaten streak.

In recent weeks they have beaten Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd, last season's finalists, and drawn a cracker against an Aberavon side who look set to be play-off contenders.

"We knew October would be a tough month but the points return has been fantastic," said head coach Greg Woods.

"We've come off the back of three big tests against Ebbw, Ponty and Aberavon and will be leaving for Carmarthen at the crack of dawn knowing that we have to keep getting points to build on what we've done so far.

"If we can win this weekend then it will make it a fantastic start to the season, which we haven't been able to say for years."

Keys and the Wizards both took three points from an entertaining draw at Pandy Park last weekend with the hosts' fighting spirit pleasing their head coach.

"We would have been over the moon with a draw when 30-16 down and all at sea early in the second half," said Woods.

"Aberavon were really impressive but our recovery was excellent and we probably should have won. To get points when we could've folded was very pleasing."

Carmarthen Park has provided some happy memories in the last couple of years for the Keys – in March they enjoyed a super 24-19 success and they triumphed 31-20 in the 2014 play-offs.

"It's been quite a good ground for us recently and it is a small pitch so if we win the forwards battle then we will be in good shape to come away with the win," said Woods.

Teenage tighthead Leon Brown, who has been in terrific form in the Keys front row, is going through the head injury protocols after the academy prospect suffered a blow in Newport Gwent Dragons' friendly against Harlequins on Monday.