'Cup can inspire us' says coach (From Free Press Series)

'Cup can inspire us' says coach

Pontypool 21 Kidwelly 8

Pontypool assistant coach Kevin Shuck is hoping cup success against Kidwelly could be the springboard his team need to ensure Welsh Premiership survival in the New Year.

Pooler overcame a spirited Kidwelly outfit on Saturday and Shuck was full of praise for their second division opponents.

"They were a gutsy, difficult side whose scrummaging gave us a lot of problems - and we can compete with the best up front," he said.

And though Shuck was pleased with the victory - singling out Neil Giles, Mathew Amos and debutant Mark Donaldson for special praise - he still says Pooler are making the same mistakes every week.

"We still need to improve set pieces and field position and get out of the habit of spending 20 minutes of play camped in our own territory.

"At 21 points up we took our foot off the gas. We've got to learn to carry on when we've put a few points on the scoreboard.

"But winning is always good and if we can keep getting results against the lesser sides it will bring confidence back and that is what we're aiming for," he said.

Getting that winning habit is especially important for Pooler now as they face two games over the Christmas period - against Carmarthen and Newbridge - that could have an important bearing on the outcome of their season.

"It will be very interesting over the next couple of weeks if we can get a couple of wins," said Shuck

"If we can do that we'll be delighted.

Shuck also admitted he'd relish the opportunity to spend more time working with the team in their crucial relegation run-in.

"I'd love to spend more time drilling the boys," said Shuck.

"We're still looking to get a couple of old heads in but they will also need time to gel."