Phillips said after the match: “We were hugely disappointed to have lost the chance to defend the Konica Minolta Cup through losing to Aberavon. We did not do ourselves justice in what was a well below-par performance, as we clearly have the team to have won that game and progressed to the latter stages of the competition.
“Although it was a sub-standard performance there were certain factors that we could not control which had a major bearing on the game. Weather conditions on Saturday were conducive to an open attractive game, but the referees interpretation of the ruck area was such that it became a power slog up front, which didn’t suit the way that we try to play the game.”
But Phillips quickly turned his attention to his side’s forthcoming league fixtures. “We must now look ahead to our league run-in, starting with the fixture against Llanharan tomorrow evening. We will have to be on our guard as evening fixtures give a major advantage to the home team.
“Neither side has fulfilled their potential over the last few months, and both will be looking for a big improvement in performance. Llanharan are a strong and well drilled side, and we will have to show a huge improvement if we are to get the result.”
