EBBW Vale will be hoping that the Eugene Cross Park pitch passes a morning inspection so that they can keep building up a head of steam.

The big freeze means that the clash between two sides looking for derby doubles is doubtful and ground staff will assess the surface at 10am.

The Steelmen are aiming to follow up on morale-boosting victories over Llandudno and Pontypool, and talisman number 8 Rhys Williams has been at the forefront of their efforts.

His efforts have soften the blow from the summer departure of fellow back row forward and skipper John Bowd.

Coach Matthew McCarthy is looking for him to match the standards he has set in recent weeks and keep the Steelmen marching forward.

”Rhys Williams is an outstanding player and a cracking guy,” said McCarthy. “What you can’t do with Rhys is put structures in.

“He is his own player and you just want to play in a way to get the most out of him. He is as good as anyone when he goes out there and just enjoys himself.

“He always gives 100 per cent and that would be the same if his arm was falling off, though in fairness I think that is the same for every single member of our squad.”

It has been a real team effort in recent weeks with Gavin Lucas helping out with the set piece work in the absence of rugby consultant Lyn Jones, who has been away on Newport Gwent Dragons duty as interim attack coach.

And the Steelmen have come out of a sticky patch when they lost four games on the spin, including a woeful display when losing 8-0 at Bedwas.

“For me it was a bit of a crisis because we were losing games that we should have been winning,” said McCarthy.

“It concerned me that we weren’t taking our opportunities and I was desperate to get back that winning feeling.

“We know how tough it will be against Cross Keys, who got one heck of a result against Newport and probably deserved something out of our game earlier in the season.

“They are a good side and (backs coach) Mark Ring has added a bit of vigour. They are a strong outfit with some quality players like Lloyd Burns making a big difference in key positions.”

Vale rest skipper Kristian Owen while Dragons Academy products Aaron Coundley and Rhys Jenkins will be on the bench.

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlan, I Coombs, S Powell, A Bramwell, J Lewis, D Langdon, R Lewis, A Lott, R Wilkes, M Jones, J Griffiths, M Griffin (captain), J Thomas, S Pengelly, R Williams.