Ystrad still on the glory trail
THE road to the Principality Stadium resumes on Saturday with clubs battling it out for a place in the semifinals of both the WRU National Plate and Bowl competitions.
In the Plate, One East Central table toppers Ystrad Rhondda will be looking to keep their hopes of a second triumph in four seasons alive as they make the trip to One East mid-table outfit Nelson for their quarter-final tie.
Ystrad lifted the Plate after beating Newcastle Emlyn 25-17 in a thrilling final back in 2015 and, should they go all the way again, would become the only club other than Penallta to win it on two separate occasions.
The Gelligaled Park outfit have already enjoyed big home wins over Llanishen (52-16) and Ruthin (60-10) on their way to this stage – which bookends a walkover against Dolgellau in round two and a bye through round three.
Nelson, meanwhile, have seen off Talywain, Cambrian Welfare and Maesteg Celtic while have also had a bye to progress in the Plate.
These two sides last met in the competition back in 2015/16 when Ystrad, as holders, enjoyed a 23-10 home victory over Nelson.
“We’re cautious,” said Ystrad secretary Alan Sinclair.
“Going away to any team in Division One isn’t going to be easy, so we’re expecting a tough game.
“But we’re at the business end of the competition now and we’re optimistic of reaching the semi-finals again.
“It would be nice to match Penallta’s achievement and the aim is to get back to the Principality and win the trophy again but there are some good teams still left in it.”
Holders Penallta are already out with Crymych, the team that edged them 12-7 in the round of 16, hosting Ystalyfera – who were beaten on try count by the Pitmen in last year’s showpiece.
One East Central high-flyers Glamorgan Wanderers entertain One East leaders Brynmawr as they bid to reach the last four.
It is the Wanderers’ first home tie in this season’s competition after wins on the road at CR Cymry Caerdydd (26-24), Kidwelly (30-21), Aberystwyth (28-25) and Mountain Ash (6-3) respectively.
The other last eight tie in the Plate sees Maesteg Quins heading to 2012 runners-up Nant Conwy – with the sides currently sitting top of One West Central and One North respectively.
The Quins have beaten Treorchy, Pontypool United and Kenfig Hill as well as having a bye to reach the last eight.
They also are also bidding to return to the Principality Stadium having made the Bowl final in 2011, losing to Senghenydd.
In the Bowl, the pick of the quarterfinal ties sees Penygraig entertaining Porthcawl.
Three East Central A side Penygraig have defeated Penallta seconds, St Julians HSOB, Betws, Ferndale and Tylorstown to reach the last eight.
Meanwhile Three West Central A outfit Porthcawl, who are themselves enjoying a fine season, have seen off Newport Saracens, Trimsaran, 2013 winners Wattstown, Pontycymmer and Bridgend Sports on their way to this stage.
Also looking to reach the semis are Cardiff University as they battle Nantgaredig – who themselves ended the run of 2016 runners-up Taffs Well in the last round.
Abercwmboi go to Monmouth while in the other tie Deri head to Pembroke.