IF CROSS Keys are going to make the top eight in the Principality Premiership ahead of the halfway split then they will have certainly done it the hard way.

Keys are two positions and four points off eighth-placed Cardiff with trips to Pontypridd tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) and Ebbw Vale next Saturday to come before the big split.

Tomorrow’s clash is not only being screened on S4C, it will also be the first time that Keys have experienced Pontypridd’s new artificial surface.

Keys head coach Greg Woods isn’t concerned about the pitch – his squad trains on the 3G in Ystrad Mynach – and he feels playing on live television is a bonus for his players.

“It’s our first time on television this season and something like that does result in the players raising their game,” he said. “It’s a chance for them all to showcase their ability.

“The semi-professionals have the opportunity to play well in front of their family and friends who might not watch them play much during the season.

“And the youngsters have a chance to really make a name for themselves in what is one of our biggest games in the Premiership.”

Prop Luke Garrett was sent off in Keys’ Boxing Day win over Gwent rivals Newport at Pandy Park but will be available tomorrow.

That 23-8 success on Monday was a fifth in their last six league outings for Woods’ charges, and even with 14 men in the second half they still looked comfortable against the Black and Ambers.

“The boys played really well and, in all fairness, our forwards totally dominated,” added Woods.

“We are in a really good place with five wins out of six and we’ve got to go to Sardis Road and do exactly the same as we did on Boxing Day.

“We’ve got to make sure our scrum is functioning and our set-piece in general is solid.”

Pontypridd, in third, won 23-19 at Cardiff in their last outing to all but seal their top-eight place.

“It was a tough game and Cardiff put a very good team out to test us to the limit,” said skipper Dafydd Lockyer. “We needed to dig deep at various stages and we did.

“It’s amazing to come away with a win. I think we’re all bouncing with confidence for the Cross Keys game on New Year’s Eve.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, leaders Aberavon go to Bridgend, Llandovery host Swansea, Bargoed visit Merthyr and Neath entertain Carmarthen Quins.