CROSS Keys can end RGC 1404’s unbeaten record on the road and dent their hopes of joining Aberavon at the top of the Principality Premiership when they host the North Walians tonight.

A win for the visitors at Pandy Park (kick-off 7.30pm) would see them make it five away victories in as many games this season following defeats of Bridgend, Neath, Carmarthen Quins and Swansea.

And if they can score four tries in the process then they will also go level on points with leaders Aberavon, who go to Bedwas tomorrow.

RGC, third in the table going into the clash, have been mightily impressive so far this term, in what is their first ever campaign in Welsh club rugby’s top flight.

Head coach and former Wales winger Mark Jones has only seen his side lose once – a 22-11 home reverse against Aberavon – since they toppled Bridgend on the opening day.

Jones makes five changes to the team that started the 23-23 draw with Llanelli last Saturday, two in the backs and three in the pack.

“Cross Keys are coming off the back of a victory against Bargoed, which is a tough venue to win at, so we will have to be at our best to get a positive result,” said Jones. “We are under no illusions that this will be a huge test.

“Pandy Park is well known for being a tough place to visit and we’ll find out a lot about ourselves, but as we’ve proven on several occasions this season, we’re up for the fight and will give nothing less than 150%.”

As for Keys, head coach Greg Woods has a couple of players, including Josh Skinner, on Anglo-Welsh Cup duty with Newport Gwent Dragons.

Club captain Scott Matthews underwent ankle surgery earlier this week so Darren Hughes continues as skipper.

Keys, 23-16 winners at Bargoed last Friday, will be keen to get back to winning ways on home soil following their defeat to Aberavon a fortnight ago.

“We’ve played RGC before in friendlies and a couple of times in the cup, and they seem to be going well this season,” said Woods. “They’ve brought a different challenge to the Premiership.

“They’ve got a lot of youngsters and a good coaching team, so we know the game will be a tough one for us.

“They have got a good offloading game and some big runners, particularly the centre Tiaan Loots, so our defence has got to be good.

“But we are at home and want to put right want we did wrong in the performance against Aberavon.”