As well as seeking a repeat of their 24-15 triumph over Nant Conwy in 2012, Penallta are also attempting to clinch a league and cup double this season. But standing between them and their dream are their near neighbours, who are five points clear of them at the top of Division 1 East.
“It’s going to be a great occasion – a final at the Principality Stadium against our local rivals. There are still a few lads from the last time we played in the final in 2012, but the nerves are palpable around the club,” said Penallta hooker and assistant coach, Gregg Haines.
“Bedlinog is only four miles up the road and they’ve done us twice this season, even though it was only 6-3 up at their place in a bog. Hopefully, it will be third time lucky against them and if we can match them up front, our backs can do the business.
“It’s fantastic the WRU came up with the idea of having the Bowl and Plate because it gives clubs like ours, and players like myself, the chance to play in one of the best stadia in the world. I’m a manager for BT, but we’ve got electricians, carpenters, bricklayers – we’d certainly be ok if we were stranded on a desert island!
“All the village are coming out to support us, along with family and friends and, hopefully, we can do them proud.
We’ve been victims of our own success over recent years because so many of our younger players get picked up by the Premiership sides.
“We’ve seen about 10 players leave in the last two seasons, so just to get the final and finish second in the league would be an achievement after we basically started afresh this year.”
The pressure is also mounting on Bedlinog, who were tipped for honours right from the start f the season – and then lost their opening match 15-13 at Rhydyfelin! But that is the only blemish on their record to date this season and they have also reached the final of the Glamorgan Silver Ball.
They hung on to beat Penallta by a penalty at home and then beat them 25-10 away from home on 5 March. Can they make it three out of three and lift the Plate for the first time?
“We put a couple of teams to the sword in pre-season and everyone was tipping us to have a great campaign. Then we lost the first game of the season,” admitted Foxes skipper Nathan Huish.
“Perhaps we had taken things for granted, so that loss was a blessing in disguise because it brought everyone back down to earth. Then we had games cancelled and we’ve spent most of the season below the radar in around third or fourth place in the league.
“But now we’re coming good and looking for a treble. We’ve got three massive weeks ahead for the club, with the Plate Final, our four final league games and the Silver Ball Final against Porth Harlequins.
“It could be the most successful season in the club’s history and to lift a trophy at the Principality Stadium would be special. It’s going to be a tough, physical encounter against Penallta, and they will be up for it after we beat them twice in the league, but we’re ready to meet fire with fire.”
Bedlinog: 15 Liam Jones; 14 Sam Farr Evans, 13 Tom Farr Evans, 12 James Powell, 11 Rhys Walker; 10 Ben Grzesica, 9 Marcus Clyne; 1 Liam Jenkins, 2 Nathan Huish (captain), 3 Craig Davies, 4 Gareth Williams, 5 Robson Blake, 6 Aaron Harris, 7 Gareth Davies, 8 Andrew Murphy
Replacements: 16 Leigh Bennett, 17 Ryan Thomas, 18 Richard Rees, 19 Damon Pritchard, 20 Luke Morgan, 21 Owen Rees, 22 Jack Thomas, 23 Rhys Bow
Penallta: 15 Matthew Brewer; 14 Ryan Davies, 13 Lewis Barnett, 12 Andrew Jenkins, 11 Elliot Keep; 10 Jon Wright, 9 Matthew Flanagan; 1 Andrew Dix, 2 Gregg Haines, 3 Kieron Mahoney, 4 Geraint Capel, 5 Lee Rowlands (captain), 6 Rhys Stephens, 7 Rhys Fitzgerald, 8 Geraint Thomas
Replacements: 16 Geraint Dallimore, 17 Lloyd Rowlands, 18 Aeron Bidgood, 19 Gary Wilks, 20 Andre Soroko, 21 Lucas Edwards, 22 Luke Purnell, 23 Lloyd Bridges
