THERE are no closer neighbours in top flight Welsh rugby than Cross Keys and Newbridge - and few greater rivals.

Each enjoys putting one over on the other - but in recent seasons the traffic has been mostly one way.

Newbridge have won nine of the last 12 league, cup and friendly encounters between the sides. But Keys are hoping to redress the balance tomorrow (2:30pm).

Despite the rivalry, there have been many examples of people playing for both clubs.

Current Newbridge coaches Mike Watkins and Jonathan Westwood once coached at Pandy Park while current Keys coach Robert Hall-Moore and former forwards coach Robert Beale, forced to resign this week for personal reasons, once held posts at Newbridge.

Many players too have played in both colours, including the Gibbs brothers, Andrew and Dean, now with Keys.

Both had hoped to face their old club tomorrow, but an ankle injury leaves Andrew on the sidelines.

"I think matches against former clubs are still something special," said the 29-year-old former Llanelli, Newport and Wales flanker.

"There's always been a been a big rivalry between Cross Keys and Newbridge and they are always tough encounters.

"We've been struggling a bit after starting off well, so this is a very important game for us. "Newbridge are coming into a bit of form (five wins in a row). They have their adjusting period and it's going to be difficult.

"But we have to use it as a turning point in our season."

Keys play Rhodri Davies at outside-half for the first time this season tomorrow with Gethin Worgan on the bench. They again include Llyr Lane on dual-registration from Newport at scrum-half and forwards David Patterson and Gareth Taylor, also on dual-registration, on the bench.

Shane Webley returns in the centre for Newbridge while Geraint Gladwyn moves from No 8 to the second row to help his side who have three locks injured.

Cross Keys: C Bushell, G Davies, M Lovell, M McCarthy, S Marshall, R Davies, L Lane, G Stroud, L Gardner, D Crimmins, C Penny, M Veater, S Gardner, D Gibbs, P Watkins. Replacements: D Price, G Worgan, J Pizey, D Patterson, A Brown, G Taylor, M Wood.

Newbridge: H Lock, P Collett, A Green, S Webley, M Ridley, J Williams, M Taylor, A Oliver, D Williams, P Taylor, G Gladwyn, A Edwards, J Bowd, D Cooper, S Greedy. Replacements: G Bisp, S Pennell, M Price, L Davies, M Spencer, M Ackerman, P Douglas.

* In the picture: Keys' Andrew Gibbs will miss derby.