CROSS Keys host Llanelli in the Welsh Premier Division today bidding to maintain their winning start to the season and a winning home run over their rivals since Welsh rugby's restructuring.

With both sides committed to the modern, expansive game fans should be in for a treat and the question is can Keys maintain their current hold over the men from Stradey?

In their opening two games Keys have given almost all their squad a game yet maintained a high standard, even when suffering injury disruptions.

This appears to confirm their coaches' assertions that they have a well-balanced and talented squad of roughly equal abilities and I take them to make it three wins from three.

Newport too are bidding to make it three in a row and should comfortably achieve that at Rodney Parade against a Carmarthen Quins side who have started unusually slowly.

Quins were unlucky not to win at Newport two seasons ago when the Black and Ambers won the inaugural Premier title, so must not be underestimated.

Newport struggled more than usual before beating Swansea at home last week but should win more ball today for their talented backs to do the business.

Ebbw Vale's home clash with Swansea is an intriguing one. Vale hammered Cardiff in their opening game before losing at Llanelli while Swansea have lost both their games narrowly, away to top sides Newport and Bridgend.

Both Vale and Swansea have stronger squads than last season and should both finish in the top half, Vale's squad today strengthened by the introduction of Samoan international prop Malaga Leota.

Vale are also a difficult side to beat at the Welfare ground as Swansea found when beaten 16-0 there last season, though they won by the odd point the previous year.

It should be very close and I wouldn't have a bet on the outcome but I feel Swansea may edge this one.

Pontypool have been pipped in both their opening games at home to Pontypridd and away to Carmarthen Quins and deserve a change of luck at home to Llandovery.

New coach David Gray and his team have had to come through difficult times already but have a very capable squad with bags of potential. Llandovery were thrashed 43-0 at Cross Keys last week and it could have been a lot worse.

They are nevertheless a side who can surprise the best on their day as champions Neath know only too well, having suffered a shock 22-13 defeat at their hands last season.

But that was at Llandovery and given that they do not travel well, I believe Pontypool will give Gray his first win.

Bedwas face a very tough trip to Aberavon who have won both their opening games, scoring 40+ points in each.

The Bridge Field men will have taken confidence from their clear win over Maesteg last week but few teams win at the Talbot Athletic Ground and the Wizards will surely weave their spell again.