The Canaries suffered a comprehensive defeat to Uni, with Dapto bowled out for 124 in chase of Uni’s 6-221.

Despite chasing a relatively modest target, the match was effectively over once the Canaries had been reduced to 5-65 and Phillips admits his side’s batting performance was not up to standard. 

“Yes, it was pretty disappointing, they did outplay us but we didn’t put our best performance forward,” Phillips said. “It was disappointing, but we’ll look to bounce back this week. 

“It was a tough day in the field, we dropped a lot of chances during their big partnership, so we have to be better there and take our chances. It was a big wake-up call for our team, we've got to work a lot harder.”

Dapto’s task on Saturday has been made slightly easier, with star brothers Todd and Xavier McDevitt absent on Greater Illawarra Zone representative duties. 

Phillips, however, has ensured his side won’t head into the match at Reed Park complacent. 

“They’re both very good players, so it is a bonus for us. But we definitely won't be taking Corrimal lightly. This year has shown you can’t take any team lightly.

“Any team on their day can turn up and win. Obviously Corrimal have beat Helensburgh this year and Helensburgh are not a weak team.”

Dapto have been inconsistent through the first five weeks of the season, with the team winning two matches and losing two, with one wash out.  

Despite boasting a quality batting lineup, the side’s batsmen have struggled to convert starts into big scores. Veteran Richard Marsh possesses the team’s highest score, an impressive 46 that steered Dapto to victory over Wests. 

Phillips knows his batsmen need to start converting those starts into big scores if they are to string multiple wins together. 

“With our top six we’ve had a few 20s, a few starts. That’s been the theme throughout the year, making starts and not going on with it. Someone in the top four has got to stand up and make a big score. 

“Personally, I would like to score more runs as well. I've got a start in every game, got to around 20, then got myself out. It will definitely be good to carry on and make a big score.”

In other games this weekend, Balgownie will be without leaders Graeme Batty and Jamie Fleming when they take on a Northern Districts side hoping to win back-to-back matches. 

University will aim to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Keira to face the Lions. Wollongong and Wests will also face off in what will likely be a high-quality matchup. Wollongong will be without Pushpinder Singh, who is also on representative duties. 

And Helensburgh will be missing captain Mitch McCrae when they play host to Port Kembla.