Saturday 27th December | Pandy Park | 2:30pm Kick-Off

Boxing Day may be behind us, but the festive rugby continues as Cross Keys RFC host local rivals Newbridge RFC in the annual Festive Derby at Pandy Park. With both sides looking to strengthen their position heading into the new year, all signs point to a fiercely contested afternoon in front of what is expected to be one of the biggest home crowds of the season.

Recent Form: Keys Gathering Momentum
Cross Keys enter this derby contest on the back of a much-improved run of results. Three wins from their last four completed fixtures have seen confidence grow and performances sharpen, reflecting the squad’s progression under Head Coach Chris Davies and Director of Rugby Morgan Stoddart.

Cross Keys Season So Far

• MW1: Ystrad Rhondda 26–25 Cross Keys
• MW2: Cross Keys 25–24 Brecon
• MW3: Narberth 21–17 Cross Keys
• MW4 (Cup): Cardiff Met 26–22 Cross Keys
• MW5: Beddau 22–20 Cross Keys
• MW6: Cross Keys 13–23 Bargoed
• MW7: Pontypridd 26–19 Cross Keys
• MW8: Newbridge 10–17 Cross Keys (Derby First Leg Win)
• MW9: Cross Keys 25–47 Neath
• MW10: Llanelli Wanderers 17–23 Cross Keys
• MW11: Cardiff Met 10–13 Cross Keys
• MW12: Cross Keys P-P Merthyr RFC

With momentum building and the squad continuing to grow in confidence, the postponement last time out has only added hunger and freshness heading into this derby.

The Opposition: Newbridge RFC
Newbridge make the short journey to Pandy Park, eager to respond to the reverse fixture defeat in Matchweek 8. Their defensive qualities and forward effort remain at the core of their identity, and they will arrive fully aware of what this derby represents to both clubs and supporters.

Typically well-organised, physical at the breakdown, and difficult to break down in tight contests, Newbridge will aim to make this a territorial battle early on. Keys will need to respond with accuracy and patience.

From the Coaching Team

Head Coach Chris Davies knows what these fixtures mean to everyone around the club:
“It’s a derby, it’s festive rugby, and it’s at Pandy Park, you don’t need much more motivation than that. We’ve shown our potential in recent weeks, but these are the matches where character and composure are tested. We’re ready for it.”

Director of Rugby Morgan Stoddart added:
“The progress has been clear to see, but now we want consistency. The boys are buying in, the supporters have been outstanding, and this fixture gives us a great opportunity to finish the year strongly.”

Keys to the Game

• Discipline in Key Areas
Derbies often come down to territory and composure. Minimising penalties will be crucial.
• Set-Piece Delivery
Lineout accuracy and scrum stability will provide the platform for pressure.
• Early Intensity
Starting fast and controlling the pace will be vital in front of a big home crowd.
• Finish the Moments
With margins tight all season, clinical finishing is the next step for this group.

The Festive Derby Awaits
Local rivalry, festive atmosphere, derby energy, this is what Welsh club rugby is all about. After victory in the reverse fixture, Keys will be out to complete the double, while Newbridge will arrive looking to spoil the party.

Either way, Pandy Park will be the place to be this Saturday.

• Kick-off: 2:30pm
• Clubhouse open before and after the match
• Festive fans encouraged, bring the noise!