The Pitmen won the title for the second time last season thanks to a last-ditch try from Max George that enabled them to win at the Principality Stadium on try count after the game against Ystalyfera had ended in a 16-16 draw.
This season they have won all five league games in Division 1 East, yet still find themselves trailing Brynmawr by two points. They have already beaten Risca once this season, 27-14 away from home on the opening day of the season.
Brynmawr, who took Brecon’s unbeaten record last weekend, head to Hartridge. The Division 1 East Central champions, and current leaders, Treorchy host St Peter’s
Last season’s runners-up, Ystalyfera, will also kick-off with a home game, against Cwmavon, while the draw will also include the two teams from last season’s WRU National Plate final following their promotions last season.
Amman United enjoyed a spectacular season as they won the Plate and Division 3 West B without losing a game. They have found life a little bit tougher in Division 2 West and will be hoping to turn the tables on league rivals Carmarthen Athletic, who beat them 27-11 at the start of the season.
Caerphilly, who they beat 43-31 in the 2017 Bowl final, will start with a home contest against Croesyceiliog. North Wales champions Pwllheli face a tricky away trip to Caernarfon, while Division 1 West Central leaders Maesteg Quins put their unbeaten run on the line at home against their nearest rivals, Kenfig Hill, who they have already beaten 34-7 in the league.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE – ROUND 1
Friday, 6 October, 2017
Nant Conwy v Bro Ffestiniog
Saturday, 7 October, 2017
Aberavon Quins v Nantymoel
Abercarn v Nantyglo
Aberdare v Llanharan
Abertillery BG v Ynysybwl
Amman United v Carmarthen Athletic
Bala v Ruthin
Blaenavon v Caerleon
Blackwood v Cwmbran
Bridgend Athletic v Bonymaen
Builth Wells v Brynamman
Caernarfon v Pwllheli
Caerphilly v Croesyceiliog
Caldicot v Pill Harriers
Cambrian Welfare v Abercynon
Cardiff Quins v Mountain Ash
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Glamorgan Wanderers
Colwyn Bay v Dolgellau
Cwmgors v Morriston
Felinfoel v Dunvant
Fishguard & Goodwick v Penclawdd
Garndiffaith v Brecon
Gilfach Goch v Rumney
Hartridge v Brynmawr
Hendy v Gowerton
Kidwelly v Loughor
Llandudno v Mold
Llanelli Wanderers v Tenby United
Llangefni v Bethesda
Llangennech v Gorseinon
Llantrisant v Penarth
Llantwit Fardre v Cilfynydd
Llanybydder v Crymych
Maesteg v Penlan
Maesteg Celtic v Ammanford
Maesteg Quins v Kenfig Hill
Mumbles v Aberystwyth
Nelson v Talywain
Penallta v Risca
Pencoed v Taibach
Pontarddulais v Tycroes
Pontypool United v Ynysddu
Porth Quins v Dinas Powys
Rhiwbina v Barry
Senghenydd v Dowlais
St Clear’s v Tumble
St Joseph’s v Heol y Cyw
Tondu v Seven Sisters
Treorchy v St Peter’s
Waunarlwydd v Nantyffyllon
Whitland v Pontyberem
Ystalyfera v Cwmavon
Ystradgynlais v Resolven
Ystrad Rhondda v Llanishen
