Neath RFC coach Pat Horgan is hoping to be at home again in the third round of SWALEC Cup when the draw is made on Tuesday 19 February.
The Blacks dumped holders Cross Keys out of the competition last Saturday, winning 19-12 at The Gnoll and Horgan says that this, plus a few other factors, has brought some positivity back into the club during this difficult season.
“The boys played really well on Saturday,” he said. “It was an important win as it keeps our season going. As I said before, we need a good run in the Cup this year as we’ve not done so well in the League.
“Pontypridd are the strongest side but there’s no-one I really want to avoid at this stage of the draw. Let’s just hope we’re at home in the next round and we can continue to build on that win.”
The win could have been seen in some areas as a shock after Keys beat Neath 35-7 at The Gnoll in the league the week before.
But Horgan believes that scoreline could have been closer just as last Saturday, Neath could have recorded an even bigger win.
“The week before we just weren’t clinical enough,” he said. “We gave the ball away and knocked on too much. This week we tightened everything up and focussed on being more clinical.
“The win could have been bigger as we missed two golden opportunities in the first half which would have taken us 20 points in front. But in the end I couldn’t have asked for more and their endeavour was excellent.”
Horgan was pleased at the performance of his skipper Gareth Gravell, who was making his comeback from injury and hadn’t played since 27th October last year.
“Gareth led from the front again,” Horgan said. “Cross Keys are notorious for using excessive force throughout matches at times and Grav was the one who fronted up to them and the rest of the boys followed him. It was vitally important that he came through and he played very well, especially considering he hadn’t played for months.
“Luc Jones was also a stand-out, Chris Morgans too, Aaron Bramwell and a few others. We’ve a few more coming back from injury too who may play at Bridgend next Saturday so it will give the opportunity for people to start fighting for places.”
Neath’s next home match is against Bedwas on Saturday 2nd March, kick-off 2.30pm.
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