"CROSS Keys have made massive strides in a week, and it can only get better," says director of coaching David Rees.

Welsh First Division Keys' first match after Rees' return to the club and the capture of forwards coach Richie Collins was a disappointing 36-20 defeat by struggling Glamorgan Wanderers.

But a week later they defeated a strong Carmarthen Athletic side 26-20 and tomorrow hope to build on that, away to an inconsistent Llandovery side.

"In terms of our performances in those games, there was no comparison between the two," said Rees.

"The team spirit is back, the players have lifted their game and it can only get better with Richie aboard.

"He's new to coaching in the First Division, but his philosophy is the same as mine and we complement each other well. We're bouncing ideas off each other "I'm not afraid to say things and can perhaps get a bit hot-headed at times while Richie gets his job done in a quieter way, so it's a good blend.

"In terms of the team, it's really about getting confidence back, upping the tempo and fitness and adopting a game plan to suit our open game with supporting forwards. I think the club had gone back into the First Division mould of ten-man rugby."

Shaun Connor was impressive for Keys against Carmarthen on dual registration from Neath, but Rees realises the need to bring people like Gethin Worgan along and to sign new, permanent players.

This week the club signed second row Charlie Heaven, who hails from Abertillery but who has played his rugby in the Midlands, where he has been at college, in recent seasons.

"He's a bit in the Nick Kelly mould," said Rees, "but can also play in the back row." Rees is expecting a tough game at Llandovery.

"They will play a strong, forward-orientated game, but have the ability to cut us out wide, as they have some speedy backs," said Rees.

"But they are inconsistent. If they are not firing up front their game tends to fall apart.It's up to us to match them there and be strong."

Gethin Worgan and Llyr Lane return at half back for Keys. Morgan Lovell replaces full back Chad Bushell and Gareth Davies replaces left wing David Price.

Cross Keys: M Lovell, C Arnold, G Bowen, M McCarthy, G Davies, G Worgan, L Lane, I Evans, A Brown, A Wilkshire, M Veater, P Watkins, S Gardner, D Gibbs, A Gibbs. Replacements: J Pizey, C Bushell, D Price, G Stroud, D Patterson, C Penny, M Wood. Kick-off 2.30pm. Bus leaves clubhouse 11am.