Jake Crockett picked up where he left off in last season’s final as holders Brecon booked their place in round two of the Specsavers National Plate with a 36-24 home win over 2014 finalists Rhiwbina.
The full-back memorably scored a stunning hat-trick as former Wales & British & Irish Lions No 8 Andy Powell’s side pipped Bonymaen 23-21 in a thrilling final at Principality Stadium at the end of April. It competed the first part of what turned out to be a magnificent double last season as they also went on to win the Division One East title.
And Crockett was once again on the scoresheet yesterday along with Ewan Williams, Ioan Edwards, Dafydd Edwards and Scott Gibson. Dean Gunter converted four of the five tries as well as adding a penalty. Meanwhile Newbridge, former National Cup semi-finalists, and making their debut in the tournament after dropping down from the Championship at the end of last season, crushed Blaenavon 82-19.
Jimmy Gahan helped himself to four of their 12 tries with Dan Davies running in a hat-trick. Eammon Rees and Robbie Turley scored twice with Lewis Hudd adding the other. Liam Crandon kicked six conversions and Eamonn Rees five.
Rhydyfelin, the 2013 Plate runners-up and another side relegated from the Championship, also booked their spot in round two with a 19-13 win at Llantrisant. Kevin Baggs, Dane Binks and a penalty try were the try scorers for the Village with Dai Gratton – a Plate winner and try scorer in the final himself with Ystrad Rhonnda back in 2015, also adding a conversion.
Also back in the Plate are relegated Newcastle Emlyn – runners-up in that final four years ago – and who are also through as they beat Yr Hendy 27-17. Llyr Jones scored twice with Alex Williams, Llyr Jones and Dan Davies also dotting down, with the latter adding two conversions and a penalty.
Last season’s runners-up Bonymaen were of the sides handed a walkover after opponents Gilfach Goch failed to raise a side. Others handed a walkover include 2018 winners Brynmawr over last season’s Bowl finalists Oakdale, 2016 champions Bedlinog, Aberystwyth, Bethesda, Felinfoel, Mumbles, Nantgaredig and Tondu.
