CROSS Keys intent to up the pace in their bid to cause an upset by becoming the first side to beat Cardiff in the Principality Premiership East tomorrow afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

After losses to Merthyr and Bargoed, the men from Pandy Park got their season up and running with a hard-fought 20-12 home success against Ebbw Vale last weekend.

Now they attempt to back up that victory by causing an upset against the Blue and Blacks at the Arms Park (kick-off 1pm).

Cardiff, now under the stewardship of Bedwas great Steve Law, have started the season in impressive fashion with wins against Newport, Merthyr and Bargoed.

If Keys are to become the first team to down the capital club then it will be through an expansive approach on the plastic pitch rather than a pragmatic one.

“Last week wasn’t pretty against Ebbw Vale but it was something that we needed,” said team manager Mark Prangell.

“Our squad is a bit stretched by injury but it’s important that we build on the performance and we can’t afford to go into our shells at Cardiff.

“We tend to do quite well on 3G pitches, our young backs showed what they can do on a fast track at Merthyr at the start of the season so we plan to play with plenty of pace.

“It’s a great test for us because we knew that ‘Spot’ (Law) would bring Cardiff on and they have been helped with a few Blues players, so at the moment I would say they are the team to beat.

“But we always enjoy going to the Arms Park and have had some good results there in recent seasons.”

The last two meetings in the capital have been one-sided affairs with the hosts enjoying a 38-14 success last season while it was Keys who romped to glory 40-24 in November 2015.

The fixture kicks off early as Cardiff Blues face Glasgow in the Guinness PRO14 tomorrow (7.35pm). All entry is via the Quay Street entrance and the ground will close at 4pm.