Day of destiny awaits trophy finalists

FOUR Swalec League club captains have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Sam Warburton next Monday and lift their own piece of silverware at the home of Welsh rugby.

Nant Conwy and Penallta, who face each other in the Swalec Plate (2.45pm), and Glyncoch and New Tredegar, who compete for the Swalec Bowl (12.30pm), travel to the Millennium Stadium with hopes of writing their names into club folklore.

It’s a North versus South battle in the Plate between two clubs that are guaranteed of finishing second in their respective divisions – One North and Two East – and have both had a few scares en route to the final.

Penallta were nearly knocked out of the competition at Rhydyfelin in round two before coming through 28-25 while Nant Conwy squeezed past Llangefni 19-14.

Things were more comfortable in the third round with home victories over Ynysybwl and Caernarfon respectively before Nant Conwy needed all their nous to see off the challenge of Dunvant and Penallta won at Senghenydd.

The Pitmen accounted for Maesteg Quins in the last eight then Bethesda in the semis while Saturday’s opponents beat Builth Wells in the quarters before edging past Ystrad Rhondda 9-3 to reach Cardiff.

Both Glyncoch, champions elect of Six Central, and New Tredegar of Four East have had to come through seven rounds to get to the Millennium Stadium with the former aiming for a league and cup double.

Glyncoch could have gone out in the first round but they had just enough in their armoury to win 28-25 at Porth Quins. A walkover against Ferndale helped in round two before wins at Pontycymmer, Pontyclun and Glyncorrwg followed.

Amman United were beaten 18-16 in the quarter-finals at home and another titanic tussle in the last four saw the Six Central outfit record a 24-21 success against Talywain.

New Tredegar began their campaign with walkovers against neighbours Cefn Fforest and Cwmcarn United. An impressive 19-16 victory at Abercarn in round three preceded a low-scoring triumph at Abertysswg then yet another close encounter at Hafodyrynys ended with the Newts winning 11-10.

A five-point margin of victory over Resolven in the quarters was followed by a thrilling 38-31 win against Tycroes in the semi-finals.

Both finals on Bank Holiday Monday precede the Swalec Cup final, between holders Pontypridd and British & Irish Cup runners-up Cross Keys, which kicks-off at 5.30pm.