Wizards coach seeks magic as side heads north
ABERAVON head coach Jason Hyatt expects this afternoon’s Principality Premiership clash with National Cup holders RGC 1404 at Eirias Park to once again bring the best out of his players.
Having started the season with two straight wins, the Wizards then suffered their first defeat at the hands of Carmarthen Quins last weekend – while RGC have bounced back from their opening day reverse at Llandovery with back-toback victories over Llanelli and Neath respectively.
Hyatt’s men were victorious in both meetings with the North Walians last season on their way to the Grand Final.
“We won up there last year and it’s always a good atmosphere,” said Hyatt.
“RGC are a very wellcoached side and there’s also the added incentive of knowing that pretty much all of their players are fulltime pros in a full-time environment.
“You’ve got to be on point going up there and that’s what we’re hoping to be.”
Aberavon will be looking to bounce back from their home defeat by the Quins – and Hyatt said it sums up just how unpredictable the league is.
“Anyone is capable of beating anyone,” he continued.
“If you look at the backline the Quins had out last week it was brimming with the players with regional experience.
“Although we were disappointed there were also some real positives for us to take out of it at the same time.
“We went with a young side and created lots of chances, but just couldn’t finish them unfortunately and lost our composure a little bit in the last 20 minutes.
“But we’re a bit more settled this week; we had two exciting games against RGC last year and it brought the best out of us.”
Llandovery boast the only 100 per cent winning record in the West section and this afternoon entertain Neath – who lost theirs against RGC last week.
Meanwhile, having picked up their first win of the campaign Carmarthen will be looking to back that up when Swansea visit the Park.
The All Whites got off the mark last time out against Bridgend, who themselves have lost their first three games.
The visitors to the Brewery Field this afternoon are Llanelli, who have one win from their opening three matches.
In the Premiership’s East section, Bedwas have taken a maximum 15 points so far and, having humbled champions Merthyr in their own backyard last week, will be hot favourites again this afternoon when Bargoed visit the Bridge Field
Cardiff, now coached by ex-Bedwas chief Steve Law, have also won their first three matches – including a win over Merthyr. Today they face Cross Keys at the Arms Park.
Elsewhere, Ebbw Vale tackle Newport while there is a mouth-watering prospect in store at Sardis Road where rivals Pontypridd and Merthyr lock horns once again