IF Cross Keys reach the Konica Minolta Cup final this season they will certainly have done it the hard way.
They defeated then Premier Division third-placed side Carmarthen Quins in round four, leaders Newport last time and now face 12-times cup winners Llanelli.
And if that isn't enough, they will face Wales' cup specialists at Pandy Park tomorrow with a badly hit squad lacking several players, including skipper Tyron Morris.
He damaged knee ligaments in the win over Bridgend three weeks ago and faces another 3-4 weeks on the sidelines.
Others out include centres Rhodri Williams and Lee Humphries (both with damaged ankle ligaments), scrum half Tommy Walsh (also ankle), hooker Greg Woods (groin) and wing David Price.
And most importantly they will be without experienced hooker Scott Mitchell, out with a leg injury.
But coach David Rees refuses to be downhearted. "You have to be positive and go with what you've got," he said. "We've had similar problems all season.
"We are a tight-knit squad and whatever team we put out will give it their all. There will be no need to motivate them.
"They know this is another big step towards the Millennium Stadium and they won't want to waste those victories over Carmarthen and Newport.
"It's a tall order and I'm sure Llanelli will include players such as Michael Phillips (the Wales international) and Emyr Lewis.
"But we'll be focused. We know if we play well we can beat anyone in the division, especially at home."
When the clubs met in the league at Pandy Park back in November the result was a 52-45 home success.
"That was an unbelievable game and though I don't think it will be as open as that on Saturday I'm sure it will provide some great entertainment," said Rees.
"We won't play any differently to our usual style and neither, I think, will Llanelli, but we don't really know what team they will put out. When we played at Cardiff earlier this month they used their full quota of regional players and beat us convincingly, but when they met Ebbw Vale last week it was the normal Cardiff team and they lost.
"Llanelli are in a similar position in the league with relegation staring them in the face, but they can strengthen their squad as and when required."
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