CROSS Keys already have a couple of new names pencilled in for next season and have spoken to a couple more as they seek to get back among the Welsh First Division's top sides, writes Paul Tully.
This campaign has been eventful one with Keys changing coaches virtually in midstream but still struggling to maintain their usual spot in the top half.
However, they produced their best display of 2002 in slamming Llandovery 36-10 last Saturday and hope to continue in the same vein with wins at Treorchy tomorrow and against Llanharan the following Saturday.
"The performance against Llandovery was probably our best of the season in terms of keeping ball in hand," said Keys coach David Rees (pictured).
"As coaches, it was pleasing to see things coming together and we scored some great tries, two or three straight out of the training manual.
"It was the way we had been trying to get the players to play since I returned to Pandy Park, but in the middle of a relegation battle it proved difficult to get the players to buy into it.
"I said a couple of weeks back the aim was to win three of our last four games and I think we can do that.
"It won't be easy against Treorchy and Llanharan as the relegation issues are not clear and they are still involved.
"But we owe Treorchy something as we gave one of our worst displays when beaten by them at Pandy Park."
Looking ahead, Keys said: "We are concentrating on re-signing the majority of our players, but we have identified areas of weakness and are addressing them.
"We have spoken to some players and are hopeful they will join us."
Keys are again without Steve Gardner while Neil Hope replaces Andy Boyd at scrum half and Gareth Davies takes over from Chris Arnold on the right wing.
Cross Keys: J Pizey, G Davies, R Davies, M Lovell, S Marshall, G Worgan, N Hope, I Evans, F Vunipola, D Crimmins, C Heaven, P Watkins, D Gibbs, M Wood, A Gibbs. Replacements: C Bushell, A Boyd, G Stroud, L Gardner, M John, M Veater, D Staveley. Kick-off 2.30pm
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