DAMIAN Welch has hailed the attitude of his Cross Keys team-mates at Principality Premiership leaders Merthyr and is eager to see them get a win under their belts against Aberavon tonight (kick-off 7.15pm).

Captain Welch, who returns from injury for the visit of the Wizards to Pandy Park, was pleased with the way Keys didn’t lie down in their 52-28 defeat by the reigning champions last Friday.

Keys kept fighting to the end and left the Wern with what could be a very important try bonus point.

Welch and his troops are currently top of the bottom seven clubs, 14 points behind RGC 1404 who occupy ninth.

The relegation fight looks like it’s going to be between those seven, which includes Bedwas and Bargoed, who go to Swansea tonight.

Just five points separate Keys and one-from-bottom Llanelli.

“Losing by 50 points is always going to hurt, but to pick up a bonus point was a big positive,” said Welch on the Merthyr setback.

“The attitude we showed to score those four tries was brilliant.

“We always try and show the attacking side of our game, and we always feel we can score tries.

“When games are not going our way we always back ourselves to keep pushing forward.”

On Aberavon, who put 54 points on Llanelli last time out, he added: “It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a good team who are doing well for themselves.

“We’ve got to focus on ourselves and put together everything we’ve worked on during the week, and the fact we’re at home usually helps.

“It will be a tough challenge but one we’re definitely looking forward to.”