Penallta are forced to wait once again

NATIONAL Plate holders Penallta face another wait before they can attempt to book their place in the next round as they continue the defence of their title.

Their original tie against Cwmgors, which was supposed to be played in early December, was postponed and the game was rearranged for yesterday.

However, a waterlogged pitch ensured their wait to play the match went on even longer.

Elsewhere, a Tadgh McGuckin penalty was enough to see Maesteg beat Gorseinon 3-0 and book their place in the last 16.

The reliable kicker slotted the ball between the posts in the 65th minute and Gorseinon couldn’t respond to deny them the victory.

They will now face Ystalyfera, who were beaten on try count by Penallta in the final after a 16-16 draw.

Meanwhile, in the National Bowl, Taffs Well edged to a narrow 14-10 victory over Treharris to claim their place in the last 16.

The Wellmen, who were only just beaten 20-18 by Burry Port in the 2016 showpiece, saw Ryan Smith and Justin Jones both crash over against their Three East Central A opponents.

Brandon Thrasher added both conversions, which ultimately steered them to victory.

But a Leon Rees try and five points from Ross Jones kept Treharris in the game all the way until the final whistle.

Taffs Well’s reward is a tie at Nantgaredig.

Penallta II continued their good form in the Bowl with a 22-17 win over Oakdale.

Aaron Owen was the hero as he bagged a stunning hat-trick and Andre Soroko helped them over the line with two conversions and a penalty.

A double from Scott Evans and seven kicked points from Jamie Lyons pushed Penallta II all the way.

Penygraig will be Penallta II’s opponents in the next round.

Monmouth will also take their place in the round five after enjoying a walkover against Newtown.

They will now clash with Hafodyrynys for a place in the quarter-finals.

The last-16 ties in both competitions are scheduled to take place on the weekend of January 13.

But there are still some more Plate ties to be concluded before the line-up is fully complete.

Blaenavon take on Waunarlwydd and Maesteg Celtic tackle Pwllheli on January 6, with ties against Nant Conwy and Nelson at stake.

Crymych await the winners of Penallta v Cwmgors.

In the final game of the latest round of Welsh Premiership fixtures, Neath entertain Aberavon in their traditional Boxing Day clash at The Gnoll (2.30pm).