NEATH HAPPY WITH ROUND 5 OPPONENTS

Gareth Morris,. who captained the side when they raised the cup  earlier in the year said: “I’m happy with the draw. I would have been happier to have been drawn at home but it’s a great Cup tie for the supporters.

“We’ve already played Aberavon twice this season and beaten them on both occasions. The match the day after Boxing Day was a very heated affair and Aberavon will want revenge. They are not flying high in the League at the moment so they will certainly be up for this match.”

On avoiding a clash with brother Rhys in the next round, Morris said, “I’m quite gutted, I would have liked to play against Banwen, they are our home club – but our mother was having nightmares, she can rest easy now!

“I’m glad Banwen have a home draw but I would warn Bedwas not to take them lightly, they are on form! All I can say is I hope we get to meet them in the next round.”

Rhys Morris, wing for Banwen said, “It’s great for a small club like us to reach this stage of the Konica Minolta Cup and it’s testament to the hard work of coaches Mark Harris and Steve Bayliss in particular. The supporters have been fantastic so far and getting a home draw is a slight advantage for us but Bedwas will no doubt be a tough challenge.”

Gareth and Rhys have a younger brother, scrum half Rhodri, who is also on Banwen’s books but is currently out of action with a leg injury.

 KONICA MINOLTA CUP – DRAW FOR ROUND 5 (last 16)

(To be played on the weekend of February 19th)

Newport (Prem) v Glamorgan Wanderers (Div 1)
Beddau (Prem) v Llantwit Fardre (Div 2 East)
Carm Quins (Prem) v Cardiff (Prem)
Aberavon (Prem) v Neath (Prem)
Swansea (Prem) v Llanelli (Prem)
Whitland (Div 1) OR Pontypridd (Prem) v Cross Keys (Prem)
Pontypool (Prem) v Bridgend (Prem)
Banwen (Div 2 W) v Bedwas (Prem)

(Whitland v Pontypridd is scheduled to be played on Saturday 29 January (kick-off 2.30pm)