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Specsavers National Plate round-up: Defending champions Brecon still on course for back-to-back wins

Andy Powell

Brecon head coach Andy Powell

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Holders Brecon remain on course to become the first side to successfully defend the Specsavers National Plate.​
That is after Andy Powell’s men saw off Newcastle Emlyn 23-17 in the fourth round to reach another quarter-final.​
Jake Crockett – the hat-trick hero in last season’s final against Bonymaen at Principality Stadium – was once again on the scoresheet along with Scott Gibson.​
Both tries were converted by Dean Gunter who also added three penalties. ​
Andrew Owens and Emrys Davies went over for Emlyn with Shaun Leonard adding seven points from the tee in what was a first defeat of the season for the west Walian side currently riding high in One West.​
Brecon have also already got the better of Bonymaen once again and 2014 Plate runners-up Rhiwbina en route to the last eight.​
Two sides who have been there before are Glynneath and Rhydyfelin.​
Glynneath, the 2011 finalists, kept their bid for a return to the national stadium on track by defeating Nelson 22-14.​
Steff Stone and Craig Tennant dotted down for Glynneath while Jack O’Reilly kicked four penalties to seal their passage through.​
Rhydyfelin were in the final six years ago and they also take their place in the draw for the last eight after they beat Porth Harlequins 17-14. ​
Dai Gratton, who scored a stunning try in the 2015 final to help Ystrad Rhondda lift the Plate, will also want to get back to the home of Welsh rugby.
He and Kevin Briggs were Rhydyfelin’s scorers while Gratton converted both and kicked a penalty.​
One side who won’t be returning to the final this season are 2016 winners Bedlinog after they bowed out 26-6 at Birchgrove.​
Adam Percival and Mathew Edwards touched down for the Robins with the ever-reliable Edwards converting both tries as well as booting four penalties.​
Former National Cup semi-finalists Newbridge squeezed past Llangennech 17-15 thanks to Matthew Davies and Jimmy Gahan tries plus two conversions and a penalty from Eamonn Rees. ​
Felinfoel ran in six tries to beat Blackwood 41-10. Josh Edwards (2), Jordan Evans, Jordan Dunne, Dafydd Daniel and Chris Rumbelow went over while Aled Roberts kicked the rest.​
Treorchy beat Aberdare 30-8 while two-time former winners Penallta – gunning for a fourth Plate final – got the better of Mountain Ash 41-22.​

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