Aberavon’s Jenkins wants lasting legacy

Jenkins took over at Christmas when Aberavon were languishing near the foot of the Principality Premiership, but his injection of new thinking turned results around and now he presides over a team in mid table with a positive outlook. Since cementing his side’s league status he now turns his attention to Saturday’s Konica Minolta Cup quarter-final at the Talbot Athletic Ground (2.30pm).

Jenkins would love to guide Aberavon to Konica Minolta Cup success and to the piece of silverware that has eluded the Wizards over the years.

“When I came in as Caretaker Coach at Christmas it was one of our aims to do well in the Konica Minolta Cup,” he said. “The Cup is highly thought of in the club game in Wales and it’s especially important to Aberavon as it’s a trophy that has eluded them over the years.”

The former Pontypool and Swansea hard man would love to be the man in charge if they do go all the way in 2007.

“I am here to help Aberavon for the remainder of the season,” he said. “It’s been a good experience that I want to enjoy and hopefully we can go out on a high by getting to the Konica Minolta Cup final.”

Jenkins says the 16-24 win over Bridgend in the Principality Premiership was the catalyst to the revival and hopes a good start on Saturday will be a further springboard for a successful season.

“We won away at the Brewery Field in my third game in charge at Aberavon. It was a good result that pushed us out of the relegation zone,” continued Jenkins. “We started well and that was the springboard for a good performance. We’ve kicked on since then and had some good results.

“We have generally gone on to win the games where we have started well, so that is what we are hoping to do on Saturday. If we start well, we will plant a seed of doubt in the visitors’ minds and home advantage could be a telling factor.”

Jenkins, who won 58 Wales caps with his bullish approach, was no less forthright with his opinions on this weekend’s match against the team two places below his side in the Principality Premiership table.

“We’re still in the quarter-final of the cup, and we won’t be holding back, he said. “If we lose on Saturday it won’t be for want of trying, it will be difficult but we expect to beat Bridgend on Saturday, and then when you’re into the semi-final anything can happen.

“We are not underestimating what Bridgend will bring to the match because they have a proud record in the cup and will be going all-out to beat us.”

Aberavon and Bridgend kick-off their Konica Minolta Cup quarter-final at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets for the match can be purchased on the day at the venue.

Konica Minolta Cup Quarter-Finals 2007
Saturday 24th March (2.30pm) Aberavon v Bridgend
Sunday 25th March (2.30pm) Swansea v Cardiff
Saturday 24th March (4.10pm) Llanelli v Pontypridd
Saturday 24th March (2.30pm) Bedwas v Llandovery