CROSS Keys host Ebbw Vale in the first fixture of the new Foster’s Challenge Cup tomorrow evening.

The competition has been established to fill the gaps in the fixture list while the British and Irish Cup, featuring a Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select XV, is being played.

The 12 Principality Premiership clubs have been drawn in geographical groups with Keys, Ebbw, Newport and Bedwas taking each other on home and away in Pool A.

The Black and Ambers host the men from Bridge Field on Saturday afternoon while Keys entertain the Steelmen at Pandy Park tomorrow evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

The teams are set to be a mix of senior figures needing game time and young talent gaining experience.

Nonetheless, Keys will be looking to keep their momentum after they impressively beat Cardiff 40-24 in the capital on Friday evening to make it eight games without defeat.

Ebbw will be aiming to strike back after a disappointing 34-14 loss to Newport at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon.

The teams met in the league at Eugene Cross Park last month when Keys triumphed 26-24 thanks to tries by lock Scott Andrews and full-back Ethan Davies (2) with Ebbw’s late rally only succeeding in earning a losing bonus point.