CROSS Keys director of rugby Jonathan Westwood has paid tribute to the unsung heroes who have allowed the Pandy Park side to make a challenge for the play-offs.

Keys play Glamorgan Wanderers in a clash that puts two clubs with top-eight ambitions against each other.

The Wanderers have the edge at the moment, sitting in the last play-off spot at this early stage of the season, but tomorrow’s hosts are not far behind.

They have made a solid start to the campaign and have added an extra dimension behind the scrum.

Previously Keys had been known as a rugged if slightly limited outfit but now they have game-breakers, as well as more competition for places.

“We were very conscious that we had to bring some more quality in and there are also boys behind the scrum that haven’t yet had the chance that they deserve,” said Westwood.

“But we also have plenty of players who are performing well without necessarily getting the plaudits.

“(Prop) Julian Price has been outstanding and is reaping the benefits of working so hard on his fitness while (lock/number eight) Colin Bridges has been superb.

“He does things that a lot of people don’t enjoy doing, the donkey work if you like. By his own admission he is not the most creative or the best ball handler but he leads the way with his honesty and endeavour.

“You can’t have a team full of the people of the same skill set and we are lucky to have plenty of players who are prepared to graft.”

Keys head into tomorrow’s game on the back of a well-deserved 36-12 win over Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park.

Their three wins of the season have all been in Gwent derbies with Newport and Pontypool sent packing from Pandy Park but Keys are yet to register a bonus point of any kind.

“The win at Ebbw Vale was a satisfying win but that was all it was,” said Westwood. “It wasn’t a great performance but it did give us four points away from home.

“Now we have to back that up with a win against the Wanderers and that will be difficult because they are an excellent side.

“Both sides are keen to break into the top eight and we are looking up to them at the moment and have to close the gap.

“The Wanderers are a well-structured side and they have an international in the making in full-back Dan Fish.

“I think their strength is that they play an attractive brand of rugby but they know where and when to play it.”

Keys make just one change with Toby Faletau returning in the back row.

Keys: G David, M Johnstone, L Andrews, P Williams, N Trowbridge, D Langdon, O Jones, J Price, L Burns (captain), R Cornock, C Bridges, B Watkins, T Faletau, R Nash, J Groves. Replacements: R Emms, R Peebles, C Gould, T Lampard, N Davies, R James, J Leadbeater.