Treorchy revealed their potential when they dumped the reigning champions Brynmawr out of the tournament in the last round with a stunning 27-12 triumph and, despite sitting in eighth in Division 1 East Central, are capable of punching well above their current weight
Bonymaen’s run to the Plate semi-finals has seen them see off the challenge of Aberystwyth in round two, Cilfynydd in round four and Cambrian Welfare in the last eight following a first round walkover against Porthcawl and then a bye through the third round.
They warmed up for the big clash with a narrow 8-7 win at Ammanford last weekend to stay well in the hunt for the Division 1 West Central title. They also have good memories of Abernant Park, having beaten Glynneath there 17-16 in January.
“It will all come down to how we perform on the day. The boys are preparing well and we had 36 out last Thursday – they all want to be a part of it,” said team manager Dai Allen.
If Treorchy do make it to their first final then they can expect to get some expert advice on what it’s like to play at Principality Stadium, and not just from their head coach, former Ospreys and Wales centre Andrew Bishop.
Cardiff Blues scrum half Tomos Williams is the latest international produced by the famous Rhondda club and will be hoping his two elder brothers, centre Lloyd and fellow No 9 Owen, can inspire the Zebras to go all the way.
“We’ve got a big following going to Glynneath and I’m not sure there will be many people left in Treorchy on Saturday afternoon. It is a big day for the club and we’d obviously love to get to the final,” said long-serving club secretary, Bryan James.
“Our Youth team were there last season when they faced Rumney in the final of the WRU Youth Cup. Three of the players who were in that side will be playing in the Plate semi-final.”
The talented trio are hooker Curtis Greenslade, lock Thomas John and flanker Cerith Loyd, while win Liam Lloyd and scrum half Nathan Griffiths have also graduated with honours in the first-team ranks this season.
While their league form has been disappointing, Treorchy are in another semi-final on 10 April against Gilfach Goch in the Mid District Cup.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE SEMI-FINALS
Bonymaen v Treorchy (Glynneath RFC)
Brecon v Penallta (Ebbw Vale RFC)
