Centre Greg Roberts’ first half try, along with two Jack O’Reilly penalties, put Glynneath 11-5 up at the break on home soil. In the second half, wing Aled Evans also touched down and two more O’Reilly kicks secured a memorable 22-15 win against the previously undefeated Division 1 East outfit.
It was a victory that followed a second round win over Division 1 North champions Llandudno and a first round triumph at Seven Sisters.
“It was probably the best performance we’ve put in this season. We had a game plan that we executed really well,” said head coach Grant Bignell. “The last couple of rounds, although we’ve been at home, have been tough challenges with Llandudno and Brynmawr both unbeaten when they came down to us.”
Glynneath reached the last eight of the Plate last season before being beaten at home by Penallta, who eased their way into the last eight with a comfortable 60-12 home win over Maesteg Celtic. Bignell, try heor Roberts and goalkicker O’Reilly are among those still at the club who played in the 2011 final defeat by Ammanford.
“A good run in the cup is what we’re looking for. We were there a few years ago and it was a great achievement for the club, but there are some real good quality teams left in it,” said Bignell.
“We’re improving and feel pretty confident against anyone at the moment, whether that’s home or away. In the end it will come down to the luck of the draw as to who reaches the final.
“Last year, even though we had a home draw in the quarter-finals, it didn’t quite happen for us. We were still growing as a team, with new coaches, but this year I’d like to think we can have a better stab at it.”
Ironically, Glynneath will host their Plate final rivals of eight years ago, Ammanford, in a Division 1 West Central game this weekend. Ammanford are bottom, while Bignell’s men have won three of their five league games so far.
Elsewhere in the Plate last weekend, holders Brecon once again got the better of Bonymaen in a repeat of last year’s final. Ewan Williams, Ioan Edwards and Scott Gibson all scored tries for Andy Powell’s men in a 24-16 third round win. Dean Gunter converting all three and also kicked a penalty.
Ammanford were edged out by a point, 27-26, against Porth Harlequins, but Felinfoel are through after beating Kenfig Hill 16-13 thanks to a penalty try and three Jonny George penalties.
Joining them in the fourth round will be Birchgove, after they saw off Bethesda 30-5. Scott Beard, Curtis Davies and Nathaniel Llewellyn scored the tries with Mathew Edwards adding 15 points from the tee.
Bedlinog were too strong at home for Senghenydd, beating their Division 1 East rivals 26-6, while Treorchy battled their way to an impressive 21-16 victory at Bridgend Athletic. Aberdare picked up a 17-14 win in north Wales as they beat Nant Conwy 17-14.
In the Bowl, Aberavon Green Stars won in dramatic fashion, 26-25, at Pontyclun to reach the last 16. Richard Evans, Karl Larkworthy and Kevin Thomas were the visitors’ try scorers with the rest of the points coming from the boot of Sean Curran.
Nicky Theaker ran in two tries for Pontyclun and Lloyd Wilkins kicked five penalties. Crucially, though, Theaker also missed one with the last kick that would have sent his side through.
There were a few other close squeaks as Tylorstown won 15-14 at Pentyrch, Baglan won 28-26 at Llanharan and Rhymney triumphed 20-17 at Tredegar Ironsides.
