Both teams have already notched wins over their two other Cardiff Rugby regional rivals, Whitchurch HS and Ysgol Glantaf, and the first of their two meetings should go a long way to determining which team will be favourites to reach the final.
Coleg Y Cymoedd have won the title more than any other establishment and have appeared in the last seven finals. They were beaten by Coleg Gwent in the last final in January, 2020.
But the rugby programme at Cardiff & Vale, under the guidance of Martyn Fowler, has been building in recent years and they have notched some notable wins over their valley rivals of late. Another one would be a really big statement.
“We didn’t play our usual game against Glantaf and the score could have been a lot different. Had they been able to spread the ball a bit wider they might have stressed us even more,” said Fowler.
2But we picked up another win and now we face a huge test against Cymoedd. Historically, everyone has put them up on a pedestal, but we’ve just been concentrating on ourselves.
“We’ve beaten them in recent seasons, but we still have bags of respect for them. They can play with pace and power.
“It promises to be a really good contest which, more than anything, should showcase the talent there is in the region. I’m hoping it will be a night when the real winner will be Cardiff Rugby.
“Gruff Rees, their academy manager, should be able to cast his eye over a number of his regional stars of the future. He will also see a number of other players who want to push their way into his academy set-up.”
Whitchurch HS host near neighbours Glantaf in the other game in the Cardiff area, while Coleg Llandrillo welcome the reigning champions, Coleg Gwent. In the west, Coleg Sir Gar have a bye and are heading to play Millfield, while Neath Port Talbot College entertain Gower College.
The other fixture sees Pembrokeshire Colleges welcome Llandovery College.
