Twelve months on it is Brecon and Penallta who have their sights firmly fixed on taking the silverware off the ‘Mawr after they marched into the semi-finals of the Plate and saw the champions felled at Treorchy.
The mighty Rhondda Zebras stunned the holders Brynmawr as they conjured up a 27-12 home quarter-final victory to reach the last four of the competition for the first time. They are already into the semi-fnals of the Mid District Cup.
Liam Lloyd and Jacob Lloyd both scored two tries apiece for Treorchy, while Jacob’s brother, Jordan, wrapped things up from the kicking-tee with two conversions and a penalty. The home side raced into a 22-5 lead at one stage before the champions hit back with a penalty try to cut the gap.
Then came the fourth and final try from Jacob Lloyd to seal the deal and send the Division 1 East Central side through to the semi-finals. They will be joined the draw by two time winners Penallta, unbeaten Division 1 East leaders Brecon and Bonymaen.
Brecon marched into the semi-finals with a 31-19 victory over Nelson. Jake Crockett scored twice and was joined among the tries by Aaron Taylor and Cameron Gardner. Dean Gunter converted all four tries and added a penalty to complete the scoring as the Mid Wales outfit reached the final four for the first time in their history with their 19th league and cup win of the season.
Nelson fought back through Zach Pearce and Jared Walters tries. James Spear added two penalties while Craig Wilson hit a third, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a third defeat of the season to Andy Powell’s powerful Mid Wales outfit.
Penallta, who won the Plate for a second time two years ago, are also in the last four following a 26-17 triumph over 2011 runners-up Glynneath. Corey Tucker, Lewis Alexander, Pat Lewis and Laurence Pritchard all touched down with the latter adding three conversions to boost the tally.
Bonymaen make up the final four after a narrow 7-3 win over Cambrian Welfare and are the only representatives left from the west.
WRU National Plate – Quarter-Finals
Bonymaen 7, Cambrian Welfare 3
Glynneath 17, Penallta 26
Nelson 19, Brecon 31
Treorchy 27, Brynmawr 12
NARTGAREDIG GO MARCHING ON AS EAST CENTRAL SIDES COLLAPSE
There was no knock-out glory for the three teams from Division 3 East Central A who reached the quarter-finals of the WRU National Bowl.
Penygraig were pipped 18-17 at Abergavenny, former champions CR Cymry Caerdydd went down 19-14 at unbeaten Nantgaredig and Pontyclun lost 35-13 at Bridgend Sports. Oakdale were the other side who went through, beating Aberaeron 15-3.
Nantgaredig were beaten 19-10 by Cardiff University at the same stage last season, but pulled out all the stops to see off the 2014 winners and maintain their unbeaten record this season. Their 19-14 victory, which featured three tries, made it 19 wins in league and cup.
WRU National Bowl – Quarter-Finals
Abergavenny 18, Penygraig 17
Bridgend Sports 35, Pontyclun 13
Nantgaredig 19, CR Cymry Caerdydd 14
Oakdale 15, Aberaeron 3
