IT DOES not get any tougher in the Principality Premiership than a trip to Merthyr for a showdown with the reigning league champions and National Cup holders.

But that’s what lies in store for struggling Cross Keys tonight as they attempt to turn the form book on its head at the Wern (kick-off 7.15pm).

The hosts are six points clear at the top of the table and have only lost once in the Premiership this season, though that was on home soil against Aberavon.

In Keys, they face a side without a win in seven and in real danger of getting stuck in a relegation dogfight.

After six losses on the bounce, there was some good news for Morgan Stoddart’s men last Friday when they picked up points from a 5-5 draw with Llanelli.

The heavy rain that hit South Wales a week ago accounted for the low-scoring affair at a sodden Pandy Park.

Merthyr, meanwhile, were grinding out a hard-fought win against Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

Having emerged victorious in that top-of-the-table encounter, Dale McIntosh’s charges extended their advantage in pole position.

While some pitches will again be on the heavy side this weekend, Merthyr have no such problems given their artificial surface.

Elsewhere tonight, Bargoed will be targeting a fourth success of the campaign when they head west to face troubled Neath (kick-off 7.30pm).

Bargoed sit one point behind Keys and Bedwas but have played one game less than their Gwent rivals after last Friday’s clash with Bridgend was postponed because of the wet weather.

Neath, in danger of going out of business, have only gathered five points to date this term.

Meanwhile, Aberavon entertain Llanelli, Cardiff go to Bridgend, Pontypridd host Llandovery and Swansea host Carmarthen Quins at St Helen’s. All kick-off at 7.15pm.