Final countdown
RUGBY
A DRAMATIC turn of events has led to Porthcawl facing new opponents on Sunday in the WRU National Bowl Final at the Principality Stadium (ko 1pm), writes Tony Poole.
The Seaweeds were down to face Cardiff University but they have fallen foul of eligibility rules, and have been replaced by Division Three West A leaders Pembroke.
The Students last month defeated the Scarlets, 32-12, at the Broadacre ground in Dunvant, but the Pembrokeshire side then launched a protest, citing eligibility rules had been broken.
Initially, the WRU decided the Students would remain in the tournament – but another Pembroke appeal led last week to an independent panel meeting.
They looked closely into the Cardiff University line-up, and this time the decision went in favour of the Crickmarren-based club.
The WRU statement said: “Cardiff University have been replaced by Pembroke in the Bowl Final after an independent panel ruled they had breached cup eligibility rules.’’
However, this distraction hasn’t prevented cup fever building nicely in the seaside town towards the biggest day in the club’s 138-year history.
Previously, November 1972 marked their biggest achievement via a 9-3 home win over Maesteg in the Schweppes WRU Cup first-round proper before bowing out, 7-6, away to Rhymney.
Busloads of fans will head out of South Road on Sunday morning at 10.15am ahead of the lunchtime kick-off.
One of them has been booked by Porthcawl Town footballers, as the Bowl Final has really caught the imagination in the town.
The Seaweeds will be looking to reproduce the fighting spirit that saw them card a thrilling 23- 20 victory over Abercwmboi in the semi-finals last month at Taffs Well.
Ironically, Pembroke Youth were at the Principality Stadium last Saturday, losing 29-19 to Tondu in the Youth Plate Final.
For fans unable to attend the final, S4C are broadcasting the final live along with the Plate involving Brynmawr and Nant Conwy (3.15pm), and National Cup final between Merthyr and Newport (5.35pm).