CROSS Keys aim for a league double over Pontypridd this afternoon that could potentially take them from sixth place to third in the Premiership table, writes Chris Kirwan.

Keys have been in terrific form of late and head into today's clash at Pandy Park on the back of three league wins, a feat that they last achieved back over the festive period in 2005.

They had to dig deep at Bedwas to achieve the hat-trick last weekend when Gareth Williams scored with the last play of the game to snatch a deserved win.

And they are back on home soil this afternoon with the aim of preserving an impressive streak of form on their own patch - they have won their last six encounters.

To do so they need another commanding display from their pack, who have recently had the upper hand against most of their opponents.

Keys can ring the changes, as the have done all season, without weakening the line-up. Tom Lampard was superb as a replacement at Bedwas and is rewarded with a start while Mark Curtis and Geraint Gladwyn make up an experienced and dogged partnership in the second row.

Ponty will have to make do without coach Dale McIntosh on the sidelines after he was banned from the sidelines at games home and away for a whopping 12 months for verbally abusing the referee in their game with Glamorgan Wanderers.

But they bring a stern challenge and a possess a real dangerman in fly-half Gareth McCarthy, who has signed for the club after starting the season with Newport Gwent Dragons, as well as Blues flanker Rhys Shellard.

Ebbw Vale's thumping at the hands of Bridgend last weekend was a real hammer blow and they will be aiming to strike back when they host Aberavon this afternoon.

The Steelmen have struggled on their travels of late but have done well at Eugene Cross Park and another win is a must if they are to harbour hopes of catching leaders Neath.

Vale will be without flanker Nio Aiono who copped a six-week suspension, albeit one that means he only misses this weekend and the game with Neath, for his sending off for a high tackle against Llandovery.

Will Thomas and Neil Edwards return after missing the Ravens game and they will need to be on top form against a side that turned Newport over last weekend.

The Black and Ambers are not in action until tomorrow as their game with Swansea clashed with the Dragons game with Perpignan.

If the game does get the go-ahead it is sure to be an awful surface given the Heineken Cup clash 24 hours earlier and Newport will need their pack to produce the goods.

So it is a relief that experienced lock Matthew Veater has recovered from a knock he picked up in last weekend's defeat to the Wizards.

Other fixtures: Glamorgan Wanderers v Bedwas, Cardiff v Llandovery, Bridgend v Llanelli, Neath v Maesteg.