Shane doesn’t scare us, insist Caerphilly Local rugby
CAERPHILLY are gearing up to face Wales’ all-time record try scorer Shane Williams and his Amman United side at the Principality Stadium on Sunday in the WRU National Bowl Final.
The legendary 40-year-old wing and former World Rugby Player of the Year hopes to be part of the showpiece despite picking up a hairline fracture of the jaw while helping his village side Amman beat Cardigan in their semi-final on March 25.
He could well be lining up for the Three West B leaders against the Cheesemen and has certainly been a hot topic of conversation.
“It’s been bandied around a little bit,” said Caerphilly club official Mark Tamplin.
“I actually spoke to Shane Williams a couple of weeks ago and he says he’s one for being targeted at the moment because everyone wants to knock him over.
“But the boys are confident that he’s just another person in a team that they’re trying to beat.”
Caerphilly will warm up for the trip to the national stadium this evening as they continue their assault on the Three East A title at bottom side Llanhilleth.
The side are chasing glory on three fronts as they are also into the semi-finals of the Glamorgan County Silver Ball.
Brett Davey’s side have seen off Cilfynydd, last season’s runners-up Taffs Well, 2013 champions Wattstown, Oakdale, Markham, Whitchurch (walkover) and Llandaff North on their way to the Bowl Final.
Caerphilly are certainly no strangers to big cup finals having reached the 2004 Konica Minolta (National Cup) Final, where they lost 36-13 to Neath at the then-Millennium Stadium.
The club also reached the 2003 Parker Pen (European Shield) Final where they went down 40-12 to French side Castres at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.
Ahead of the clash with Amman, Tamplin said: “We’re looking forward to what’s going to be another massive day for the club with all sections involved.
“There’s three coach loads booked, with supporters also coming from further afield.
“We’ve got a league match tonight first so we’re mindful of the fact injuries could be a big factor if they come about.
“Amman are unbeaten this year but there’s very little to choose between the divisions and we feel that we’re at our top level at the moment.”
The match kicks off Finals Day at 1pm – with the event having been brought forward this year due to the requirements of Cardiff hosting the UEFA Champions League Final.
Penallta will then take centre stage in the National Plate Final against One West Central side Ystalyfera at 3.15pm.
The Pitmen from One East are contesting their third Plate Final in six seasons and have experienced the full contrast of emotions the day can bring.
In 2012 they defeated Nant Conwy 21-15 to win the competition while last season suffered a gut-wrenching 12-10 defeat to Bedlinog – losing with the last kick of the match.
This season, Penallta have so far seen off Nant Conwy, Nelson, Aberavon Quins, Treorchy, Brecon and Caerleon during their march to Cardiff.
The National Cup Final between Pontypridd and RGC 1404 then follows at 5.35pm.