CROSS Keys remain worryingly close to the Welsh First Division relegation zone after losing a game 17-21 that contained far too many basic errors.

Unfortunately for the Pandy Park faithful it was their team who made the most last night. Keys coach David Rees locked his players in the dressing-room at the end of the game and read them the riot act.

"Some of the players have to make up their minds whether they wish to play for Cross Keys or not," he said.

After 25 minutes of uninspiring play, shrewd Treorchy fly half David Owen put the first score on the board with a short range penalty goal when a Keys defender was caught holding on to the ball.

Worgan slotted a penalty goal for Keys when Treorchy pulled down a rolling maul close to their line. He then put Keys in front with a 45m kick.

Just before half time scrum half Karl Hammands got the first of the game's three tries when Treorchy launched a rolling maul from a lineout close to the Keys line to give his side an 8-6 interval lead.

Treorchy were a robust team and clearly shook Keys out of their pattern of play, but number eight Scott Eggar was fortunate to be sent to the sin bin instead of being sent off early in the second half.

Feao Vunapola, replacement hooker for Lee Gardiner, who suffered a nose injury, finished off a good Keys movement that had started deep in their own half and this put Keys 14-8 in front.

The game then followed the uninspiring route of the first half and referee Barrie Gregory of Cardiff seemed to join the players in losing the plot.

David Owen brought the scores level with two penalty goals, one for offside and another for dangerous use of a shoulder.

Keys got back in front with a fourth Worgan penalty but ten minutes from time the ball flew out from the back of a Cross Keys scrum for Treorchy flanker Julian Collins pounced for a try Owen converted.

Keys looked dangerous during the last ten minutes, but handling errors let them down. New Treorchy coach Ceri Jones, a former Pontypridd centre, said: "This was my second game in charge and I am absolutely thrilled. This performance gives me an excellent platform on which to work for the remainder of the season."