Swalec League Weekend Review

SWANSEA are a point off the Championship summit after a thoroughly convincing 43-10 win at Bridgend Athletic on Saturday made it four wins out of four.

They now trail table-toppers Bargoed by a point thanks to Nicky Thomas’ try double in a seven-score salvo with Aled Jenkins, Steff Jones, Jake Cole, Matthew Davies and Marc Bennett also crossing the whitewash.

Full-back Thomas also nailed four conversions to take his personal points haul to 18.

Leaders Bargoed lead the way by a solitary point after they also made it four wins out of four with a crushing 42-12 defeat of beleaguered basement boys Llanharan.

Lee Protheroe, Darren Humphreys, Dafydd Carter, Josh Prosser and a penalty try were on the scoresheet for the league leaders, with Prosser adding three conversions and two penalties.

Elsewhere, Aaron Howard bagged a brace to help guide Merthyr to a 22-7 success at home against Glynneath while there were also wins in the Championship for Cardiff Met, Pontypool, RGC 1404 and Tata Steel.

In other action, most clubs took a break from league action on Saturday as the SWALEC Plate and Bowl competitions took centre stage with clubs dreaming of reaching the Millennium Stadium in the spring.

In the Bowl, The big winners of the day were Anglesey outfit Llangefni, who smashed hapless Rhosllanerchrugog 123-0. George Horseman scoring seven of their 18 tries, 15 of which were converted by Rhys Hughes.

Try trebles for Jonathan Cronin and Dean Williams inspired Bynea to a 60-5 thumping home victory against Fall Bay.

Cronin also booted five conversions as he side ran home ten tries, with Mark Davies bagging a brace alongside efforts from Nick Morris and Joe Morgans.

Jack Holland and Owen Phillips led the way with a brace apiece as Abercrave duly dispatched  Pontyates 52-7 with Curtis Griffiths, Ryan Tippett, Cellan Edwards and Nathan Cornelius also going over.

John Paul Stevens landed four conversions while Darren Hodge added two.

James Williams scored a hat-trick to help inspire Tonna to a 39-21 victory at home against Baglan.

Garry Knight also chipped in with a brace to sit alongside a Phil Williams effort. Matthew Gourlay kicked the other points.

In the Plate, there was a heartbreaking exit for Caernarfon who were eliminated at the first hurdle on tries scored following a dramatic 25-25 clash with Bethesda that went into extra-time.

The sides were deadlocked at 20-20 at full time, with visitors Bethesda ultimately going through on try count, 4-2. Dylan Williams, Paul Thomas, Gareth Williams and Aaron Roberts got their tries, while Domic Yau and Iolo Huws replied for the home side.

Meanwhile Aron Humphreys and Ieuan Morris both filled their boots with two tries apiece as Nelson cantered to a comprehensive 60-13 victory at Fleur De Lys.

Paul Adams was on the treble trail but couldn’t prevent Cardiff Quins from crashing out – after a 35-22 home reverse against Bedlinog.

There were also a couple of league fixtures played on Saturday.

In Division Three West C, Llangadog went four points clear at the summit as they edged to a 30-26 victory at Pantyffynon in a top of the table battle.

They collected a tries bonus point as Owain Jones, Dewi Howells,Aled Jenkins and Adam Thompson all went over with Dafydd Jenkins kicking two conversions and two penalties.

In One East Central, Ynysybul won for the third game on the spin – a 39-23 win at Gilfach Goch, Sean Ireland leading the way with a brace.

Read More

Swalec Cup, Plate and Bowl Predictions

Swalec Cup

Pontypridd v Cross Keys 5.25 pm

Pontypridd will be hoping to retain the trophy they won 12 months ago and will undoubtedly start as favourites, but, just as in 2012, the Gwent opponents pose a very real threat. The sides are tied at one game all in the head to head in the league this year and I think it could go either way on Sunday.

Paul John’s side will be keen to get over the heartbreak of their agonising loss on try count to Leinster A last weekend and what better way than to claim the Swalec Cup?

Everyone has been talking about Ponty as potentially doing the double but if Keys can stun the defending Champions on Sunday their odds of themselves claiming a league and cup double will be slashed.

Both teams have formidable packs and although neither side have ended their league campaigns in less than sparkling form, there could be fireworks on Sunday.

Verdict-Pontypridd by 7 points

Swalec Plate final 3.15pm

Merthyr v Rhiwbina

Both teams are in the hunt for a double after securing their respective leagues in the last week. The Ironmen obliterated One West Champions Glynneath in the last round and you would have to be a brave person to bet against Lee Jarvis’ troops coming away with the title on Sunday.

However, Rhiwbina have shown they can live with first division sides having beaten several on the way to the final.

Merthyr have been running in the tries for fun of late but, in securing the One East crown last Saturday, looked a tad nervy as they edged past Bedlinog. The Squirrels had no such problem mid-week when they eased to the Two East title as they thumped Tredegar and I believe the distraction of that match will have helped the Cardiff side's preparation.

Ultimately, I can’t look beyond a Merthyr victory but I think it will be closer than a lot of people are predicting.

Verdict-Merthyr by 9 points

Swalec Bowl final

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Llantwit Major 1.00pm

Clwb will start as slight favourites, having won the two league encounters this year, and after losing out to St Joseph's in the league, Gareth Williams’ troops will be eager to pick up some silverware.

Only a few seasons ago Clwb were still classed as a District side in Division Six South Central, along with the likes of Wattstown, whose winning performance from last season they will be hoping to replicate.

However, Major will be determined to stop them and commemorate their 125^th Anniversary year in style. They have proved to be a great Cup side so far this season and they will be hoping for a bit more magic when they take to the field Sunday lunchtime.

Fairytale is banded about quite frequently in sport but, for either of these sides, a win on Sunday would be just that. I know Clwb have beaten Major twice already this season but I’m not sure it will count for much on Sunday.

 Verdict- Llantwit Major by 3 points 

Read More

Rhiwbina underdogs for Plate Showdown

Two East Champions Rhiwbina head into Sunday’s Swalec Plate final against Merthyr as undoubted underdogs, but if the Squirrels’ season is anything to go by so far they have more than enough ammunition to shock the One East Champions. 

So far this season Rhiwbina have proved they have a great Cup mentality and have dispatched four division one sides en route to the final-accounting for the scalps of East’s Bedlinog and Ynysybwl, West’s Kidwelly and One North’s Nant Conwy.

Rhiwbina claimed the second division crown last night after they easily dispatched Tredegar 64-7, helping themselves to ten tries in the process.

Rhiwbina's Chris Fido in action against Tredegar

Alex Kerr bagged a hat-trick, while Chris Fido (2), Pat Howell, Kris Barry, Josh Madley, George Gauntlett and Grant Fitzgerald also crossed.

With the Plate final on Sunday and the prestigious Silver Ball final against Glynneath to come, it could potentially be Rhiwbina’s best ever campaign.

Long-serving Squirrels Chairman Paul Maddocks is excited ahead of the Plate showdown.  

“We have one of the most momentous days in our history when we face Merthyr at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday."

Looking ahead to the final Maddocks knows his side will be up against it.

“We’re realistic and know we are very much the underdogs against Merthyr in the Swalec Plate Final, but we’ll be out to do the very best we can with the league title under our belts.”

Club Official John Humphreys added, “Whilst the First XV has had an historic season along with a Silver Ball Final later in May to look forward to, our Seconds and Thirds also continue to do well.

“The Seconds are in contention to retain the Cardiff & District Premier league title and are East District 2nd XV Cup Finalists, while the Thirds are once again in the Ninian Stuart Cup Final.”

Merthyr meanwhile will go into the clash full of confidence having completed the first part of a potential league and cup double, as they clinched the One East title with a bonus point 22-12 triumph over local rivals Bedlinog at the Wern.

The title sees the Ironmen promoted to the Championship, a remarkable turnaround from 12 months ago when they only narrowly avoided relegation.

Merthyr celebrate clinching the Swalec One East title 

However, under Lee Jarvis’ direction, Merthyr are now a formidable outfit having run in 113 tries so far in their successful league campaign.

Winger Owen Morgan was the toast of Merthyr as the speedster bagged a hat-trick, while on the opposite flank Aaron Howard also went over.

Read More

Rhiwbina to meet Merthyr in Plate final

Merthyr are firm favourites to complete a league and cup double, as the Ironmen emphatically booked their place in the Swalec Plate final with a 66-10 demolition of One West leaders Glynneath at Mountain Ash.

The Ironmen proved that west was not best in this case as they inflicted Glynneath’s first defeat in all competitions this season.

With both teams top of their respective divisions, a close game was anticipated, but the Ironmen proved their mettle as they thrashed the Neath Valley outfit.

Flying wing Aaron Howard stole the plaudits with five tries as Lee Jarvis’ troops crossed ten times in all in a completely one-sided display.

The writing was on the wall by half time for David Puckett’s outfit as Merthyr raced into a 27-3 lead.

The Neath Valley side did pull a try back early in the second half through Jonathan Griffiths, but any comeback for the 2011 runners up was quickly snuffed out.

Tries from Martin Luckwell, Cameron Gardner, Lewis Jones, Chris Davies and Craig Evans completed their ten try haul, while captain Steve Lang added five conversions and two penalties from the tee.

Meanwhile, in the all Division Two East semi-final at Taff's Well it was league leaders Rhiwbina who came out on top, defeating Llantwit Fardre 16-6 to clinch a place in the showpiece event.

Rhiwbina’s Gareth McCarthy makes a break against Fardre in the Plate semi final

 The first half was a very closely fought and tense affair, Fardre’s Jason Pocock breaking the deadlock with a penalty after ten minutes.

 However, the Rhiwbina backs always looked dangerous, and a break by outside half Josh Davies led to the Squirrels’ first try. Gareth McCarthy was pulled down just short of the line, but his offload found Sion Summers who stretched over to score in the corner.

 McCarthy increased Rhiwbina’s lead with a penalty, only for Pocock to fire his second of the day over just before the break.

 Try as they could, Fardre could not breach the Rhiwbina defence, while the Squirrels' attack always looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

 And the Cardiff side's blistering backs saw them wrap up the contest late on. Alex Kerr made the initial break before McCarthy found skipper Harry Trelawney in space, and the scrum-half raced up the blind side to cross and secure their trip to the Millennium Stadium.

 Rhiwbina Chairman Paul Maddocks said, “We’re delighted to be in the Plate final and the lads put in a tremendous performance against determined opponents. The league title is still there to be won and we have two further cup semi-finals to play this month, so it could be a memorable season for us.”

Read More

Swalec Plate Semi-Final Predictions

Rhiwbina v Llantwit Fardre at Taffs Well RFC 

Two East side’s Rhiwbina and Llantwit Fardre will battle it out in the last four of the Swalec Plate this weekend.

With a spot at Swalec finals day at stake, league leaders Rhiwbina will start as slight favourites, though both teams have proved formidable opponents in the Plate so far.

Rhiwbina's Dave Smith in Swalec Plate action against Nant Conwy

Rhiwbina club official John Humphreys said, “The whole club is really looking forward to one of the biggest games in our history. Llantwit Fardre and ourselves are the two in-form teams in Division Two East and we will be preparing for a tremendous challenge.

“Like us, I expect Fardre were pleased to be avoiding the two Division One big guns, but I can assure you we won’t have any sense of complacency as Fardre come into this game on a lengthy unbeaten run.

“Both clubs have beaten Division One opponents to get this far, so it should be an even contest in front of a great crowd.”

The Squirrels should be well rested for the match after having their league game at Tredegar called off, and Humphreys admits the fixture backlog for the capital side is starting to mount up as they fight for silverware on several fronts.

 “We face a fixture back-log going into the final weeks of the season, not helped by Tredegar cancelling our game there last Saturday as they only had a handful of players available.

“However, it does mean we go into the Fardre clash at full strength and without any injuries, with the exception of skipper Nick Howell who sustained a punctured lung in the victory over Garndiffaith.”

We’re also in the East District Cup and Silver Ball semi finals on consecutive nights later this month, but with success comes challenges and none could be bigger than the Swalec Plate semi on Saturday, given that the prize is an appearance at the Millennium Stadium.”

Despite starting as slight second favourites on the day, Fardre have proven to be great cup competitors this season and have dispatched three Division One outfits on the way to the semis, including a defeat of last season’s winners Heol y Cyw.

Player/Coach Jason Pocock has been instrumental for Fardre at fly half, while their powerful forwards have outmuscled the packs of Llangennech, Glamorgan Wanderers and Heol y Cyw.

However, I feel that Rhiwbina will have the edge behind the scrum. The only meeting between the sides so far this season went narrowly to the Squirrels and I expect a similar outcome tomorrow.

 Verdict- Rhiwbina by 5 points

Merthyr v Glynneath at Mountain Ash RFC 

The other semi-final pits the One East leaders Merthyr against One West pacemakers Glynneath in a mouth-watering clash at Mountain Ash.

Methyr's Martin Luckwell touches down against Glamorgan Wanderers

If winning is a habit, both these sides are definite addicts but tomorrow there can only be one winner.

Merthyr warmed up for the match with a convincing 59-5 demolition over Glamorgan Wanderers, a win that saw them open up a seven point lead at the summit.

“We are expecting a difficult challenge on Saturday. We are not taking anything for granted--Glynneath are not top of their league for no reason and it will definitely be an intriguing clash,” stated Team Manger Paul Lewis.

Lewis believes the team are in confident mood and will be at full strength ahead of the clash.

“Our Coaches really have a selection headache on their hands with a number of players really putting their hands up in the past few games, but obviously being able to name seven replacements means we can hopefully utilise this to our advantage.”

Glynneath go into the match high in confidence having beaten One East’s Ystrad Rhondda on Wednesday evening in the semi-final of the Silver Ball.

The Neath Valley side will once again be putting their season's undefeated record on the line and are still in the hunt for four pieces of silverware.

I think this will be a really close contest- both sides have huge momentum moving into the clash but I think this might be one match too far for Glynneath.

Verdict- Merthyr by 1 point

Read More

Fardre march on in Plate

Two East’s Llantwtit Fardre once again upset the form guide as they bagged a place in the semi-finals of the Swalec Plate, dispatching first division outfit Llangennech 31-21.

Heading into the encounter against One West’s Llangennech, Fardre had previously seen off holders Heol y Cyw and One East outfit Glamorgan Wanderers.

After taking a while to get into the match Fardre soon acclimatised, with fly-half Jason Pocock once again the catalyst for the win as the player/coach amassed 16 points from the tee, while Adam Harcourt, Elliot Davies and Scott Burrows all crossed for the visitors.

Rhiwbina's Dan Murphy in action against Nant Conwy

Meanwhile fellow Two East outfit Rhiwbina are also just one win away from a day out at the Millennium Stadium as they Squirrels saw off 2012 runners up Nant Conwy at Caedelyn, running out 36-19 winners, scoring six tries in the process.

The North Walians made life difficult for the Squirrels at times and continued to attack until the final whistle, but the formidable Rhiwbina pack, with Dan Murphy putting in an outstanding performance, were just too strong for the visitors.

The hosts opened the scoring with a Louis Millar try but Nant soon cancelled that score out with a touchdown by Emrys Evans.

The Squirrels remained on top before the break with Gareth Clwyd-Jones and Chris Fido both crossing the whitewash.

After the break, the outstanding Gareth McCarthy continued to terrorise the Nant defence, setting up hooker Jamie DeAbreu's touchdown.

Fido then bagged for his second of the afternoon following great work by the pack with Murphy again leading the way.

The visitors did try and mount a comeback when Euros Jones went beneath the posts, but Rhiwbina made sure of victory when they shunted back the Nant pack from a 5 metre scrum and the referee was forced to award the Squirrels a penalty try, converted by McCarthy.

With the home faithful already toasting their team’s success, it was Nant that had the final say with Carwyn Roberts grabbing a late consolation.

However, there was no such upset at Glynneath where the One West leaders overcame Maesteg Quins 19-13 in a titanic battle.

In the day’s other quarter-final clash, Two West’s Amman United were unable to field a side in their match-up against Merthyr, handing the Ironmen a walkover.

In the Swalec Bowl, Four South East’s Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd’s dreams of completing a League and Cup double are still on, after the Cardiff outfit progressed to the last four of the competition thanks to a 35-18 home win over Nantymoel.

Gareth Williams’ troops produced a strong second half display to shake off their league rivals ‘Moel, crossing four times in all through Sam Rogers, Richard Read, Deian Thomas and Amlyn Griffiths.

Meanwhile, fellow Four South East outfit Llantwit Major also clinched a place in the final four with a 30-21 home success over Pyle.

The boot of Ryan Evans once again proved pivotal as the fly-half claimed 20 of his side’s points from the tee, while wings Marcus Pearce and Rhys Belmont crossed the whitewash.

There is to be no fairytale for Six South East’s Hartridge after the lowest league side that was left in the competition went down 30-15 to Four East’s Old Illtydians.

Finally, Llandudno made certain of a North Wales representative in the last four of the Swalec Bowl by beating Division Five South West visitors Ystradgynlais 24-10.

Read More

Fardre clinch quarter-final place

Llantwit Fardre’s dreams of a day out at the Millennium Stadium continue after the Two East side dumped first division Glamorgan Wanderers out of the competition to book a quarter-final berth against Llangennech.

Fardre fly-half and ex Wanderers player, Jason Pocock, came back to haunt his old club, producing an excellent individual performance at stand-off that saw him claim 16 of his side's points, including a brace, in their 26-18 win at the Memorial Ground. Karl Thomas and Lloyd Morgan also crossed as the visitors outscored their rivals four tries to two.

Club Secretary Jeff Lewis was delighted by his team’s performance at the weekend, the second time they have taken the scalp of Division One opposition in the competition.

“I think they probably underestimated us a bit. We were well worth our win and perhaps even the score flatters them a little as we conceded two soft tries late on.”

Fardre now travel to One West outfit Llangennech on March 22 and Lewis says his team are relishing the chance.

“The boys have shown great desire and determination so far, and we have definitely surprised a few people.

“We are looking forward to the test Llangennech pose but we have a great team spirit at the moment with the lads giving their all for one another, and we will have to be at our best to beat Llangennech who are a good side,” added Lewis.

Another side celebrating a ‘cupset' were Maesteg Quins, who battled past Kenfig Hill 12-3.

Andrew Healey was the toast of the Llynfi Valley with the back row bagging two tries for Quins, while Gareth Lewis added the extras to one to book a spot in the last eight.

 And in the quarter-final, they will face One West leaders Glynneath after they edged past Waunarlwydd 13-12.

The Neath Valley outfit crossed twice through Josh Jones and Shaun Tennent with centre Jack O’Riley firing home a penalty.

 Elsewhere, One East pacemakers Merthyr comfortably comfortably made progress with a 55-13 home win over Three East’s Risca and will now host Two West’s Amman United in the next round.

The Ironmen. who hadn’t played for five weeks before the fourth round Plate match, blew off the cobwebs to race in eight tries, with Aaron Howard and Steve James both bagging braces while Josh Flye, Chris Davies, Aaron Harris and Martin Luckwell also crossed the whitewash.

Team Manager Paul Lewis was satisfied with his team’s performance on Saturday.

“Both sides were a bit rusty- I don’t think either team had played for a few weeks, but the boys were delighted to get out on the pitch and play some rugby again.

“They gave us a bit of a fright early on, going into a 10-3 lead, but after that it was one way traffic- we scored eight tries but it could have been more,” added Lewis.

Despite being delighted to book a quarter-final spot, Lewis admitted the club’s main priority this season is claiming the league title and with it promotion to the Championship.

“No doubt there is a buzz about the club now that we’re only a couple of games away from the final, but ultimately our goal is to win the league and that’s definitely the club’s main priority.”

Merthyr return to league action this Saturday when they host Rumney at the Wern.

Completing the quarter-final line-up are 2012 runners up Nant Conwy, who  kept their dream of a return to the Millennium Stadium alive with a comfortable 22-3 win over One North rivals Caernarfon. The North Walians will now face a long trip south to face Two East leaders Rhiwbina.

Read More

Swalec Plate Round Three Review

Llantwit Fardre caused the shock of the third round as they knocked defending Swalec Plate holders Heol y Cyw out with a nail-biting, 17-15 victory at Central Park to book their spot in the last 16.

The Cockerels, who sit second in One East, went into the match full of confidence after their narrow win over league leaders Merthyr last week, but their opponents a division below produced a gritty and dogged performance to clinch the win.

Lloyd Morgan and Carl Thomas touched down for the hosts while Jason Pocock added the extras to both and fired home a penalty to keep his side's dreams of a Millennium Stadium appearance alive and kicking. 

Fardre Club Secretary Jeff Lewis believes his side did more than enough to deserve their victory.

“We’ve been going pretty well in the league so confidence was high in the squad. It was a highly enjoyable match to watch both sides play their part, but we had a game plan and the boys stuck to it perfectly and really played for each other.”

Meanwhile, Amman United are also dreaming of a trip to the home of Welsh rugby after the Two West outfit caused a shock, dispatching Division One side Loughor, 14-9.

Adrian Thomas crossed for the only try of the match for United while Rhys Thomas was on target with three penalties.

Elsewhere, there was no such drama for One West pacemakers Glynneath, who eased into the next round with a 43-10 victory over lower league Morriston.

 Glynneath crossed six times through Jordan Griffiths, Jack O’Reilly, Kier Burrows, Jonathan Griffiths, Liam Puckett and Rhodri Cole.

Merthyr now look set to be one of the favourites left in the competition after the One East leaders put paid to last season semi-finalists Ystrad Rhondda with a 23-16 victory at the Gelligaled.

The Ironmen crossed twice through Owain Morgan and Matthew Trowbridge, captain Steve Lang added the extras to both and two penalties, while Steve James also slotted a penalty.

Meanwhile, Rhiwbina notched up their 12^th win on the bounce as they saw off fellow Two East highfliers Senghenydd with a 33-24 success in an entertaining nine try encounter.

The Squirrels were always in front, with Joe Cassella crossing for two excellent first half tries as their pack took a stranglehold on the game.

Other Rhiwbina tries came from captain Nick Howell and No 8 David Smith, with the match-clincher from a typical charge by Pat Howell, while Gareth McCarthy slotted over four conversions.  

Senghenydd were always in the hunt with tries from James Richards, Nathan Gittings and Robert Bosley, and they snatched a final minute consolation try by James Hallett.

In a Two West versus Two East battle, it was the West’s Maesteg Quins that booked their spot in the hat for the next round with a 16-10 home victory over Llantrisant.

Quins crossed twice through Jay Ronan and Keiron Watkins, while Gareth Lewis found the target with two penalties.

2012 runners up Nant Conwy remain in with a shot of repeating their day out in the capital thanks to the slenderest of triumphs over Newcastle Emlyn 18-17.

Finally, two Kirk Clabby penalties was enough to see Nelson through as they squeezed past fellow One East side Rumney 6-3.

The draw for the last 16 of the competition:-

Swalec Plate Round 4

Amman Utd v Abergavenny

Caernarfon v Nant Conwy

Glamorgan Wanderers v Llantwit Fardre

Glynneath v Waunarlwydd

Merthyr v Risca

Nelson v Llangennech

Rhiwbina v Kidwelly

Trebanos / Kenfig Hill v Maesteg Quins

Read More

Swalec Plate Round 3 Preview

The road to the Millennium Stadium continues this Saturday for the teams left in the Swalec Plate, with a number of tasty third round encounters to feast on.

Ystrad Rhondda welcome One East leaders Merthyr to the Gelligaled in undoubtedly the clash of the third round.

The hosts will be keen to continue their recent tradition of doing well in the competition having reached the semi-final stage in the previous two seasons.

Club Secretary Alan Sinclair is hopeful they can continue their good cup form once again this campaign and go even further.

"Losing out the past two seasons at the semi-final stage has been tough, but hopefully it can be our year this season," said Sinclair.

Despite his optimism, Sinclair admits that the clash against Merthyr on Saturday is too close to call. 

"After our not so great start in the league, we've won nine on the bounce and will go into the match confident. But at the same time Merthyr will also believe that they can win and I think it will be a tight, classic Cup match that either side can win."

Ystrad should start as slight favourites having already beaten the One East leaders in the league this term, but Sinclair knows from last season that Merthyr are more than capable of coming up with the goods at the Gelligaled. 

"At the back end of last season, we played them needing the win as we looked to challenge for the title - while they needed a victory to avoid relegation - and they turned up and handed us a hiding, so maybe they have a slight psychological advantage in that respect," commented Sinclair.

In another all One East clash Nelson entertain Rumney- in the corresponding fixture in the league, it was the Unicorns that came out on top with a 23-16 victory.

Meanwhile, Swalec Plate holders Heol y Cyw continue the defence of the title they clinched last May with a trip to Two East’s Llantwit Fardre.

 Cyw have so far dispatched lower league Tylorstown and Maesteg Celtic on way to the last 32, and come into the clash full of confidence having inflicted One East leaders Merthyr’s second only defeat of the season last weekend.

Rhiwbina's Paul Smith on the charge against Senghenydd earlier this season.

Elsewhere, Rhiwbina who have already knocked out two Division One outfits so far face a juicy encounter with fellow Two East highfliers Senghenydd. 

The Squirrels' Press Officer John Humphreys says his side are looking forward to facing the Saints on Saturday. 

"After the disappointment of last week's East Two top of the table clash at Llantrisant being called off, we are now really looking forward to our Plate clash at Senghenydd. We're delighted to have reached this stage of the competition for the first time, and are on an eleven match winning streak since our opening day loss to Llantrisant in the league."

In the corresponding league fixture this season, it was the capital side who came out on top and Humphreys is hoping for a repeat success.

"We have already won at Senghenydd in the league this season, so we're quietly confident of making it through to the last 16 of the competition. But there's no way we will be underestimating the challenge that we'll face at Senghenydd, who are always formidable opponents."

 In another intriguing contest, Two East highfliers Llantrisant make the trip to the Llynfi Valley to take on Two West title contenders Maesteg Quins.

 Moving west, there are two all One West ties- Waunarlwydd travel to Cwmllynfell while Whitland host Kidwelly.

In the league, Waun hosted the Blues on the opening day of the season and romped home to a 52-15 victory that day, but last season’s semi-finalists will hope home advantage can help reverse their fortunes.

Elsewhere, Three South West’s Morriston have the unenviable challenge of travelling to unbeaten One West leaders Glynneath.

 The Swansea side have only claimed two victories in the league all season and will face an uphill task if they are to keep their Millennium dreams alive against the 2011 runners up.

 Finally, Amman United and Felinfoel will both look to spring surprises on higher league opposition when they entertain Loughor and Llangennech respectively.

A full list of the third round fixtures can be found here.

Read More

Huckridge the hero as Heol y Cyw hold on to win Swalec Plate

Simon Huckridge was the embodiment of cool, kicking half his side’s points as Heol y Cyw beat Rhydyfelin 20-19 to win the Swalec Plate in a breathtaking match at the Millennium Stadium.

Heol y Cyw celebrate their victory with jubilant supporters.

Both sides did themselves and their division proud with an engrossing display of attacking rugby that unfortunately could not have two worthy winners.

It encapsulated supporters right to the death, and had Rhydyfelin’s Josh James been luckier with some late kicks then it would have been a different club’s name etched on to the trophy.

The match gave us a taste of what was to come when Rhydyfelin worked the ball out to wing Gavin Close, who took the ball from Lloyd Peart to dive over within 52 seconds. Close was a star performer for the men in red and will count himself unlucky to end up on the losing side.

Nine minutes later the Cockerels fought back when Chris Howe was adjudged to have touched down at the centre of a drive at the line. Huckridge beautifully kicked off his points tally for the day by converting.

Then came a succession of penalties, with James landing two and Huckridge one to make the score 11-10 to Rhydyfelin with just 20 minutes gone.

Both sides were playing flowing rugby and entertaining supporters and neutrals in the Cardiff sunshine.

Rhydyfelin in particular impressed, and were unlucky to see two scores disallowed for Peart and Close. The first had seen them run the ball from inside their own 22, and had it not been for a forward pass to Peart following a pinpoint cross-field kick it would have been one of the greatest tries to grace this stadium since its opening.

The second was more controversial, as Close was ruled to have stepped over the boundary before touching down, much to the disdain of the rowdy and numerous support for The Village.

To add to their dismay, Heol y Cyw forced another score after 35 as Howe drove over for his second. Huckridge again converted for a half-time score of 11-17.

James and Huckridge exchanged penalties at the start of the second half to continue their personal dual.

Then on 57, Rhydyfelin struck again. Substitute Ben Allman and Dylan Hughes combined, the latter passing almost half the width of the pitch for Close to gather and sprint over for his second. James, though, agonisingly struck the post with the conversion attempt to leave the score at 19-20.

That signalled a final flurry of Village pressure. They plugged away time and again to try and snatch a victory, but were repeatedly unlucky in their efforts. Loose passes and knock-ons thwarted try-scoring attempts, with supporters growing restless at dithering hands and wrong decisions made.

Huckridge missed a 73rd-minute penalty before James fluffed a long-range drop goal attempt. He then missed a penalty with the last kick of the game to hand the Cockerels victory. The ball took an age to reach its destination, and the relief was evident as the boys in blue threw their arms in the air at the sound of the whistle.

Read More