Last season they were beaten in the quarter-finals and now the west Wales club are seeking to avert being knocked off course a possible first trip to Principality Stadium when they meet their Gwent rivals at Llanharan RFC. The winners will face either Oakdale or Bridgend Sports in the final.
Nant warmed-up for the semi-final with a 34-24 bonus-point win over the 2017 champions, Amman United, in their top-of-the-table clash in Division 3 West B. It was a crucial victory that made it 16 from 16 and pushed them 15 points clear of Amman with six matches remaining.
“It was a great feeling to get that win under our belts. We were really targeting the game because we beat them at home earlier in the season and knew it was going to be a tough battle,” said forwards coach Derek Thomas.
“The boys really pulled it out of the bag. Five of our remaining six games are away and there are still a couple of tough juicy fixtures left in there, but we are building towards it, we always say we’re taking it one game at a time, but it’s getting closer to the finishing post now.”
It’s the same in the Bowl, where they have already gone further than ever before. They received a walkover against St David’s in round one before seeing off Cardigan, Llanybydder, Cwmgors, Blaina and then CR Cymry Caerdyd.
Abergavenny current sit second in Division 3 East B with 13 wins and just one defeat from 14 matches and are just two points behind leaders Oakdale – who face Bridgend Sports in the other semi-final.
“It’s going to be one hell of an arm wrestle. We know Abergavenny are a quality side and they are doing well in their league, but Nant are a quality side as well – and it’s teed up nicely for a great battle really,” added Thomas.
“The excitement is building and the squad and the whole club are relishing the opportunity to get to the final.”
WRU National Bowl Semi-Finals
Abergavenny v Nantgaredig (Llanharan RFC)
Oakdale v Bridgend Sports Club (Taffs Well RFC)
