CROSS Keys start their pre-season campaign when they welcome Cardiff and District to Pandy Park this evening (kick-off 7.15pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The fixture will see Keys, who start their Principality Premiership campaign at Llandovery on September 5, reunited with their former backs coach Mark Ring.

Bedwas ran amok when getting up and running against Rhiwbina of Swalec Division One East Central on Saturday.

Steve Law's side crossed for 12 tries in an 85-5 victory against the Squirrels, who are coached by the former Pontypool management team of Gareth Lintern and Jared Lougher.

Second row Corey Tucker (2), fly-half Richard Powell (2), full-back Daryl Skym, back row forward Deri Mattravers, winge Lewis Hudd (2), Rhys Furley, back row James Sawyer and scrum-half Luke Crane (2) crossed the whitewash.

They will step up their preparations for their Principality Premiership opener at Carmarthen Quins when they host Henley Hawks at Bridge Field on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

Newport kick off their pre-season on Saturday when they visit Rosslyn Park and the club have announced that six Newport Gwent Dragons academy youngsters will be with them in the coming season.

The Black and Ambers will once again have the services of Wales Under-20s internationals Owen Davies (scrum-half), Alex Jeffries (tighthead prop) and Barney Nightingale (centre/wing).

That trio should feature prominently while the next brigade of Lloyd Phillips, Arwel Robson and Bryce Morgan, all Wales Under-18s caps, will also hope to make an impression.

Lock Morgan came off the bench for Newport in their 34-5 win against Aberavon last season and back row Phillips and fly-half Robson will be looking to make their club debuts in the Black and Ambers' league opener at Neath.

Ebbw Vale also go on their travels on Saturday when they start life under new head coach Nigel Davies at English Championship outfit Moseley.

The Steelmen, runners-up to Pontypridd in the Premiership last season, appointed the former Scarlets and Wales coach in June when Jason Strange left for a full-time job with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Davies' Ebbw also take on Pontypool (away) and London Welsh (home) before kicking off the Premiership at Bridgend.