But back in the mix this season will be the 2016 champions Bedlinog, who have spent the past three seasons in the National Championship, while the 2015 runners-up Newcastle Emlyn are also back after dropping down to Division 1 West. Rhydyfelin, the 2013 runners-up, head to Llantrisant following their relegation from the Championship.
Newbridge, former National Cup semi-finalists, will make their debut in the tournament after also dropping down from the Championship. They host Blaenavon, while Bedlinog host newly promoted Barry and Newcastle Emlyn welcome Hendy.
Brecon will at least have home advantage, but they couldn’t have been handed a tougher draw than hosting the 2014 runners-up Rhiwbina of Division 1 East Central. Bonymaen, meanwhile, launch their campaign at Gilfach Goch.
The two 2019 finalists from the Bowl, champions Abergavenny and runners-up Oakdale, will both be playing at a higher level this season after gaining promotion from Division 3 East A. League winners Oakdale head 10 miles up the Gwent Valleys to face the 2018 champions, Brynmawr, while Abergavenny will also be on the road, visiting Dowlais, who are another Division 1 East outfit.
PLATE CHAMPIONS
2019: Brecon; 2018: Brynmawr; 2017: Penallta; 2016: Bedlinog; 2015: Ystrad Rhondda; 2014: Merthyr; 2013: Heol y Cyw; 2012: Penallta; 2011: Ammanford; 2010: Maesteg; 2009: Ammanford
BOWL CHAMPIONS
2019: Abergavenny; 2018: Porthcawl; 2017: Amman United; 2016: Burry Port; 2015: Ystradgynlais; 2014: Clwb Rugbi; 2013: Wattstown; 2012: Glyncoch; 2011: Senghenydd; 2010: Abercarn; 2009: Morriston
Specsavers National Plate – Round 1
Aberavon Quins v Porthcawl
Aberdare v Treharris
Bedlinog v Barry
Bethesda v Dinbych
Blackwood v Monmouth
Brecon v Rhiwbina
Bridgend Sports v Ammanford
Brynamman v Resolven
Brynmawr v Oakdale
Burry Port v Llangennech
Cambrian Welfare v Taffs Well
Carmarthen Athletic v Pembroke
COBRA v Pwllheli
Cowbridge v Cilfynydd
Croesyceiliog v Caldicot
Dinas Powys v Llanishen
Dolgellau v Bro Ffestiniog
Dowlais v Abergavenny
Dunvant v Nantyffyllon
Fishguard v Crymych
Gilfach Goch v Bonymaen
Gorseinon v Pontarddulais
Kenfig Hill v Heol y Cyw
Kidwelly v Tenby United
Llandudno v Caernarfon
Llangefni v Bala
Llantrisant v Rhydyfelin
Llantwit Fardre v Abercwmboi
Morriston v Maesteg Celtic
Nant Conwy v Ruthin
Newbridge v Blaenavon
Newcastle Emlyn v Hendy
Newport HSOB v Caerphilly
Penallta v Caerleon
Penclawdd v Whitland
Pencoed v Skewen
Pontypool United v Ynysddu
Pyle v Bridgend Athletic
Risca v Hartridge
Rumney v Abercynon
Senghenydd v Pill Harriers
Seven Sisters v Glynneath
St Joseph’s v Porth Harlequins
St Peter’s v Mountain Ash
Talywain v Nelson
Treorchy v Builth Wells
Tycroes v Gowerton
Waunarlwydd v Birchgrove
Ynysybwl v Cwmbran
Specsavers National Bowl – Round 1
Aberavon Green Stars v Vardre
Abercarn v Newport Saracens
Abercrave v Alltwen
Abertysswg v Chepstow
Banwen v Cwmllynfell
Blackwood Stars v New Tredegar
Blaina v RTB Ebbw Vale
Bryncethin v Glais
Bryncoch v Briton Ferry
Bynea v Laugharne
Cardiff Medicals v Wattstown
Cardigan v Furnace United
Cefn Cribbwr v Penlan
Colwyn Bay v Nant Conwy II
CR Cymry Caerdydd v Fairwater
Cwmgors v Nantymoel
Fleur De Lys v Deri
Gwernyfed v St Albans
Hafodyrynys v Tredegar Ironsides
Haverfordwest v Betws
Hirwaun v Canton
Lampeter Town v Pembroke Dock Quins
Llandaff North v Caerau Ely
Llandeilo v St David’s
Llandybie v Aberaeron
Llangadog v Tregaron
Llangwm v Cefneithin
Llanhilleth v Aberbargoed
Maesteg v Cwmavon
Nantyglo v Usk
Neath Athletic v Crynant
New Dock Stars v Tumble
New Panteg v Rhymney
Newtown v Llanidloes
Old Illtydians v Tylorstown
Penarth v Llanharan
Pentyrch v Cefn Coed
Penygraig v Llandaff
Penygroes v Neyland
Pontrhydyfen v Taibach
Pontyclun v Llantwit Major
Rhyl v Abergele
St Clears v Llanybydder
St Julians HSOB v Garndiffaith
Swansea Uplands v Baglan
Tonmawr v Glyncorrwg
Tonyrefail v Treherbert
Trimsaran v Amman United
Trinant v Machen
Welshpool v Bangor
Whitehead v Abertillery B G
Wrexham v Shotton Steel
Ynysowen v Old Penarthians
Byes: Mold & Cardiff Quins
