A BOXING Day derby between Gwent rivals Cross Keys and Newport is always a game to get the pulse racing – and there is an added incentive for the winners of Monday’s clash at Pandy Park.

The Principality Premiership will split into a top and bottom eight next month and both Keys and the Black and Ambers are fighting for a place in the former.

But with three games left before the league breaks into two, Greg Woods’ Keys side and Craig Warlow’s Newport sit locked together on 27 points in 10th and 11th respectively.

And the two coaches know that defeat on Boxing Day (kick-off 2.30pm) would all but end their hopes of pushing on to have a crack at the title in the second half of the campaign.

Giving his take on what is at stake, Keys head coach Woods said: “It’s probably a final shoot-out for both of us as whoever loses is out of the race for the top eight.

“There is no pressure on us whatsoever. Everyone knows we’ve got some players out with long-term injuries.

“The youngsters that have come in have played so well in the last few matches.

“It’s a big learning curve for them and it will be interesting to see how they do on Boxing Day.”

Newport chief Warlow added: “Both of us are in a position where we can qualify for the top eight so it’s all to play for.

“We won’t definitely be in the top eight if we win but we will be in control of our own destiny.

“If we don’t win then we are really going to be hoping for a run of freak results to help us out.

“Mental application is huge at times like this and if you think you can get away with being at 99% rather than 100% then you will come unstuck.”

The sides only met in the pool stages of the Foster’s Challenge Cup at Pandy Park on December 7 with Keys edging an entertaining encounter 33-27.

When it comes to league form, the Gwent rivals are flying.

Keys have triumphed in four of their last five while Newport are on a five-game winning streak.

However, Monday’s hosts are having to contend with a long list of injuries, with Richard Cornock, Simon Williams, Ieuan Jones, Adam Powell, Scott Matthews and Josh Skinner all out.

The visitors, who host RGC 1404 on January 2 and then go to Bargoed five days later in their final match before the split, will also be missing the likes of Dan Partridge and Brendan Lampitt.

Tough trips to Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale await Keys on December 31 and January 7 respectively.

Meanwhile, Newport fly-half Matt O’Brien has been named Principality Premiership player of the month for November.

The 24-year-old helped the Rodney Parade side to victories against Neath, Swansea, Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins.

Warlow added: “I’m pleased for him because his performances have been critical to our good form recently.

“His decision-making has improved and he has got the balance right between kicking and running.

“He’s always had the talent and now he has shown the right application too.”

O’Brien, older brother of Dragons fly-half Angus, knows he needs to help his teammates continue their fine form.

“We’ve started to put a strong run of games together after a slow start to the season,” he said.

“Our aim now is to keep working hard, the next three games are vital to try and get into the top eight, you never know what might happen.”