IT HAS been a frantic couple of weeks for Cross Keys but some young guns have taken their opportunity to come to the fore with the Pandy Park outfit.

The Keys pack have been in superb form in the Gwent derby clashes with Newport and Ebbw Vale and a pair of inexperienced backs have also caught the eye.

Outside half Scott Sneddon, on permit from Cardiff, and utility back James Leadbetter were important figures in the excellent win over the Steelmen, the former having been thrust into action a week earlier.

Cardiff Blues academy product Sneddon came to the club when they were struggling for pivots for the game at Rodney Parade and director of rugby Robert Beale is delighted with the impact he has made.

"Scott is clearly a very talented young player and it was a big ask for him to be thrown in at Newport but he took it all in his stride," he said. "After he did so well, we kept him in for Ebbw Vale and again he impressed.

"It's a big plus for the Blues and Justin Burnell that they have allowed an academy player to play outside his region in order to develop and play at as high a level as possible.

"Obviously there was the link up with (backs coach) Dai Manley, who knew him from UWIC, but he has certainly made an impact and we hope to have him for as long as we can.

"Competition for places is always healthy and now Scott Mitchell knows there is a challenge for the spot. In fairness to Scott he came on against Ebbw Vale and I thought he did very well at 12, so it looks good."

Making a similar impression is Leadbetter, who has played most of his rugby at scrum half but featured at outside half for Cross Keys College and filled in impressively at full back against Vale.

In-form Leon Andrews was a late withdrawal but Leadbetter stepped in at 15 and was not only assured under the high ball and an elusive runner, but kicked his goals as well.

"He is such a skillful young man," said Beale. "And I suppose his biggest problem is his versatility.

"I think we will sit down as coaches and discuss with him where we see him playing.

"Against Loughor in the cup he kicked superbly and against Ebbw Vale he knocked over the crucial penalties and was as cool as you like.

"Young players now seem to have such confidence in their ability and we are delighted with what we've seen from him, but perhaps it will be in everyone's interests if he settles in one position."

Tomorrow Keys face Glamorgan Wanderers and a win would not only mean an impressive double but would propel them over the four-placed side from the capital.

But Beale is aware that his side need to break a hoodoo if they are to do so.

"We know it will be tough and I think both sides have won their away fixtures in the four seasons I have been at Keys," he said.

"They are entertaining games and I admire the style of rugby the Wanderers play, but hopefully we can get that elusive home win."

The Keys team has not yet been finalised.