Whites move step closer to a long-awaited final return
SWANSEA could be in the mood to party like it’s 1999 as they made the last four of this season’s WRU Premiership Cup with a 27-16 defeat of Bridgend Ravens at St Helen’s.
The Whites have enjoyed success in the cup in its various former guises as three-time winners, but it was 24 years ago they last won the cup when they beat Llanelli at Ninian Park.
But not since 2009 have Swansea been in the semis of the cup, but the win over Bridgend raises hopes they could be about to end what would be a quarterof-a-century wait since their last triumph if they secure their place in the final at the Principality Stadium on April 7.
“If we were to make it, of course it would be huge for us and an opportunity to thank everybody for all the support we’ve had over the years,” said Swansea head coach Hugh Gustafson.
“For the development of these young guys it would be nice to take them to the Principality Stadium if we can so they have the experience of such an occasion.
“As we said straight after the game on Saturday, anything can happen in a semi-final, it’s a oneoff game and sometimes it can come down to the bounce of a ball.”
Hooker Jamie Cox’s try, along with a 35-yard dash to score by back-rower Morgan Morse and a second-half try from Cameron Jones following a superb break from inside his own 22 from Harri Houston won it for Swansea.
Rhys Jones converted all three tries, having got the scoreboard ticking with two early penalties.
Bridgend never gave up. Prop Harry Olding’s first-half try and penalties from Paul Short either side of the break kept them in it, but Cameron Jones’ try was crucial and the contest was already over by the time Jakob Williams scored their second try late on.
“It was pleasing as we’ve been struggling to find that win,” added Gustafson.
“We’ve been getting bonus points but losing games in the league, so it’s nice to get that win. Winning breeds more winning and, hopefully, we can take that into the league in the next two weeks.
“I was pleased with how well we used the wind in the first half, as there have been games where we’ve had the wind, but haven’t really used it properly.
“The boys showed good maturity and we made it difficult for Bridgend to chase the game in the second half. Then with good energy from our bench we managed to score another try and keep them out.”
Joining Swansea in the semifinals are two-time former cup winners Llandovery, who were 58-3 winners over Aberavon at Church Bank.
The Wizards, Premiership Cup runners-up two years ago, took an early lead through Aled Thomas’ penalty, but they were no match for Llandovery.
Ioan Hughes responded with a penalty for the hosts who would go on to score three first-half tries courtesy of prop Jamie Hughes, scrum-half Lee Rees and full-back Harri Doel.
Hughes ran in his second try five minutes after the restart before two tries in as many minutes from Nathan Hart and Taylor Davies, with Jack Maynard converting the latter for a 37-3 lead.
The Drovers weren’t done there. Centre Rhodri Jones and replacements Macs Page and Daf Land also got in the act, all their tries converted by Maynard.
Drovers head coach Euros Evans was in the first Llandovery side to win the cup in 2007 and then coached the team to a second win in 2016. They are now within touching distance of a third final.
Merthyr also booked their place in the semi-finals as they overcame a spirited Carmarthen Quins side 39-24 at the Wern.
Tries from skipper Paddy McBride, prop Callum Lewis, wing Lloyd Rowlands and replacements Tom Daley and Josh Lewis won it for the Ironmen. Fly-half Gareth Thompson kicked four conversions, a penalty and a drop-goal.
Merthyr beat Newport to win the National Cup in 2018 and were back at the Principality Stadium in 2019 when they lost to Cardiff in the final.