AFTER scratching their heads as to how they lost out west last weekend, Cross Keys are determined to finish the first block of Principality Premiership fixtures with victory on their travels to Llandovery.

Keys head to Church Bank on the back of a 19-17 loss at Carmarthen Quins when they were stung by 16 unanswered second half points.

It was a classic case of one that got away and it leaves the men from Pandy Park eighth of 16 in the scramble to be in the title half of the table when the January split happens.

"Carmarthen Quins are a good side and it's never an easy place to go, but we have to be winning games like that if we want to be in the top eight," said captain Scott Matthews.

"To be in a commanding position and lose is frustrating but we've regrouped and a good result in Llandovery will stand us in good stead.

"We'd normally have the time to work our way up the table in the second half of the season but that isn't the case this season.

"That means we have to go to Llandovery and put in a good performance because it's always tough but even though we had a bad result last season (a 30-20 defeat) we are confident that we are up to the job."

If Keys are to take the spoils against the Drovers, who are ninth and lost at home to Bedwas last week, then they will be looking for Newport Gwent Dragons tighthead Leon Brown to lead the way.

The Wales Under-20s prop, who is yet to make his regional bow, made an impressive return to action at Carmarthen Park before coming off at half-time as was agreed as part of a staggered comeback from injury.

"Leon has got an extraordinary talent," said former Dragons openside Matthews. "With his size and power he has amazing scrummaging ability and alongside Darren Hughes and Richard Cornock there aren't many side in the Premiership who will be able to compete with us.

"It's good to have him back and hopefully he can stay fit because he proved his worth at Carmarthen in the first half."