Richard Scrivens scored 26 points for Penallta when they beat Beaufort 36-19 in the 2001 Brewers Cup final at the then Millennium Stadium.
Scrivens Jr, who plays for Bridgend Ravens and is part of the Ospreys academy set-up, has got the nod at outside-half for this year’s side having played an instrumental role in Penallta’s 18-13 semi-final win over Nant Conwy.
Penallta, champions in 2012, fell short in last May’s final against Bedlinog. Full-back Liam Jones remained cool to slot a last-ditch drop-goal in the Foxes’ thrilling 12-10 triumph.
And head coach Martin Tucker is hoping Scrivens can guide his team to go one better than last season’s disappointment at Principality Stadium on Sunday.
He said: “Scrivens is a Penallta boy through and through and fortunately for us he is available to play. He loves playing here with his mates. He will certainly play with heart and will be key for us.”
Tucker reckons his team’s experience of playing at the national stadium can give them the edge.
“It is very exciting,” he added.
“It has been a target of ours since day one to be in this final. We have a history as a club of getting here and it is always the target.
“It has become quite a familiar ground for us I guess. We have been in six finals here in total. It was disappointing last year but we won in 2012, so hopefully we can win again this year.”
One man who is sure not to miss the final is captain Ross Morgan.
The flanker scored twice when Penallta won in 2012 against Nant Conwy, but sat out last season’s loss after booking a holiday to Rome.
“I wasn’t here last year, I was away on holiday,” revealed Morgan.
“Thankfully I didn’t book a holiday this year. I was watching the game last year on an open top bus, it was heart-breaking for the boys.
“In 2012, when we won it, was a great day. The feeling after that was amazing. I wasn’t captain that day but I scored two tries, that was a great feeling.”
Ystalyfera captain Steffan Jones has extra incentive to guide his team to Plate success having lost on his two previous outings at Principality Stadium.
The back-row played in Neath’s 34-13 Cup final loss to Pontypridd in 2013 and represented his school at the home of Welsh rugby at Under-14 level.
“Hopefully this will be third time lucky,” Jones said.
“It will be extra special leading my home village out in the best stadium in the world. It will be very special for myself, my family and the village.”
Jones helped his side to a tight 24-22 win against Abercarn in the semi-finals. They were heading for defeat when Abercarn slotted a drop-goal to lead 22-21 in the dying moments.
But full-back Steffan Castle was the hero after kicking a drop-goal of his own to book a date in the final.
Jones, however, admits Penallta are the favourites for Sunday’s game.
He said: “They start as overwhelming favourites having been here before, but our team will be ready for Sunday and will give it a good go.
“Things have been going very well. We gave the Plate a good crack, we took a dip in the league, but it has paid off with our Plate run.
“Preparations have gone very well. There will be no one left in the village on Sunday. Everyone will enjoy it, there is a lot excitement. It is a village day out.”
Ystalyfera: Steffan Castle; Josh Jarrett, Martin Davies, Matthew Scott, Jonathan Bayliss; Gareth James, Nathan Cornelius; Robat White, Owen Phillips, Jonathan Williams, Cameron Miguel, Paul Davies, Jesse Patton, Owain Morgan, Steffan Jones (capt)
Replacements: Daniel White, Ryan Evans, Gareth Jones, Tome Lewis, Kevin Allen, Scott Gibson, Graham Jones, Gavin Williams
Penallta: Lloyd Rowlands; Grant Pearce, Andrew Jenkins, Jonny Wright, Elliott Keep; Joseph Scrivens, Luke Crane, Matthew Angel, Gregg Haines, Lloyd Bridges, Lee Rowlands, Corey Tucker, Rhys Stephens, Ross Morgan, Geraint Capel
Replacements: Jack Thomas, Kieran Mahoney, Rhys Spanswick, Gezza Dallimore, Max George, Zak Cusack, Gareth Edwards, Seb Toms
