AFTER coming agonisingly close to a huge upset on opening weekend, Cross Keys aim to get their Principality Premiership campaign up and running with a derby win against Bargoed tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

Keys take to the Pandy Park pitch on the back of a 31-29 loss at Merthyr when they saw a 29-17 lead, earned by tries from centre Lewis Barnett, flanker Scott Matthews, wing Matthew Powell and prop Nathan Buck, snatched away by a late brace at the Wern.

The Gwent side travelled to the big-spending champions with a youthful side so have had a combination of encouragement and frustration this week.

“There were mixed emotions coming off the field because everybody was expecting Merthyr to run away with it,” said captain Matthews.

“Nobody in Wales gave us a chance but we went there to send a message out and I think we did that even though we were disappointed to lose a two-score lead.

“That’s rugby and we have taken the positives for what will be another tough game against Bargoed.

"They pushed us hard twice last season and went close against Ebbw Vale last week, so we know that they are going to be targeting us to kick-start their season.

"But we have a big aim of making Pandy Park a fortress this and we want to enjoy playing here, so we can't wait for the next 80 minutes."

The strong-scrummaging Bulls are also channelling frustration from opening weekend after being edged out 24-20 by Ebbw Vale at Bargoed Park.

This weekend could see a swift return to Pandy Park for former Dragons, Cardiff Blues and Ospreys number eight Ieuan Jones, who left Keys this summer after two seasons with the club.

Last year Keys won 22-0 on home soil and triumphed 23-16 at Bargoed Park.