Andy Powell’s side are one of five teams from Division 1 East still in the race for a place in the final at Principality Stadium at the end of the season following their 24-16 win at Bonymaen last weekend in what was a re-run of last season’s epic final. They are bidding to become the first team to successfully defend their title.
Brecon’s run of success in the tournament began with a 30-12 win at Pontypool United on 29 September last year. The previous season they had been beaten at Waunarlwydd in the second round.
BRECON’S WINNING STREAK IN THE PLATE
2019-20
Rd 3: Bonymaen 16-24 Brecon
Rd 2: Walk-over v Ynysybwl
Rd 1: Brecon 36-24 Rhiwbina
2018-19
Final: Brecon 23-21 Bonymaen
S-F: Brecon 22-17 Penallta
Q-F: Nelson 19-31 Brecon
Rd 4: Rhiwbina 20-32 Brecon
Rd 3: Rumney 8-15 Brecon
Rd 2: Brecon 73-7 Llanharan
Rd 1: Pontypool United 12-30 Brecon
A home draw next month will certainly be a bonus for Brecon as they chase a piece of tournament history by winning back-to-back titles. They haven’t lost in the tournament on their own patch since Ystrad Rhondda beat them 34-19 on 13 December, 2014.
Brynamman, who are 10th in Division 1 West Central, will host their unbeaten Newcastle Emlyn, of Division 1 West in their postponed third round fixture this weekend to see who wins the trip to Brecon.
Newcastle Emlyn (2016), Rhydyfelin (2013) and Glynneath (2011) have all reached the final before, while Penallta (2012, 2017) and Bedlinog (2016) are previous champions.
There are five teams from Division 1 East – the unbeaten Brecon and Newbridge, Penallta, Bedlinog and Nelson – while Division 1 East Central have four teams – Rhydyfelin, Treorchy, Mountain Ash and Porth Quins.
There are also two teams from Division 2 still in the running. Aberdare, who head to last season’s semi-finalists Treorchy, are third in Division 2 East Central, but unbeaten after five games, while Blackwood, who face a trip to face Division 1 West champions Felinfoel, are fifth in Division 2 East.
SPECSAVERS NATIONAL PLATE – ROUND 4
Birchgrove v Bedlinog
Brecon v Brynamman / Newcastle Emlyn
Felinfoel v Blackwood
Nelson v Glynneath
Newbridge v Llangennech
Penallta v Mountain Ash
Rhydyfelin v Porth Harlequins
Treorchy v Aberdare
