The Treorchy secretary for the past 46 years, his association with his home town club began as a player back in 1961. Now, 61 years down the track, he reckons a win at Principality Stadium against Penallta would be the greatest achievement by his club in his lifetime.
Unbeaten in the league and on their way to a mighty showdown with two time winners Penallta, the Rhonda Valley side is ready to make history.
“Our Youth team reached the final against Rumney in 2018 and ended up drawing the game 18-18. Many of that team are now in the 1st XV and looking forward to a return to the Principality Stadium,” said James.
“We’ve risen to the Premier League in Welsh rugby, played a touring team and produced a number of Welsh internationals. But, for me, winning at the Principality Stadium would be the greatest day in the club’s history.
“We’ve got five buses full of fans, including two double deckers, heading to Cardiff and I hear that Penallta have got 10. It is going to be a great day for everyone involved with both clubs.
“They’ve been there before and are unbeaten in their league. It has all the makings of a cracking game.”
The Pitmen won the title in 2017 and 2012 and were runners-up in 2016. They have lost only once this season and will come to the home of Welsh rugby with a reputation for playing fast, open rugby.
Treorchy warmed up for their big day out with an 80-8 home win over Rhiwbina last week as they made it seven out of seven in the Admiral Division 1 East Central league. They are also through to the semi-finals of the Mid District Cup, where they will meet WRU Championships side, Bargoed.
“Andrew Bishop has done a great job coaching the team and John Lloyd captains the team. It has been a great effort to get here and now we aim to make the most of the opportunity,” added James.
HOW THEY GOT TO THE FINAL – PLATE
Semi Final: Brecon 29-31 Treorchy; Penallta 35-6 Newcastle EmlynQuarter Final: Aberystwyth 15-23 Treorchy; Penallta 27-10 NewbridgeRound 1: Penallta 36-12 Cowbridge; Treorchy 27-20 Nant ConwyPreliminary Round: Newport HSOB 0-28 Treorchy; Penallta 69-3 Ammanford
POOL STAGEDistrict C3
Cilfynydd 8-31 Treorchy; Treorchy 42-15 Cilfynydd; Treorchy 14-3 Cambrian Welfare; Porth Quins 29-39 Treorchy; Treorchy 27-9 Porth Quins; Cambrian Welfare 0-20 Treorchy
District C4Penallta 36-3 Nelson; Caerphilly 5-36 Penallta; Nelson 3-44 Penallta; Senghenydd 16-10 Penallta; Penallta 42-0 Senghenydd; Penallta 24-18 Caerphilly
WRU NATIONAL PLATE PREVIOUS WINNERS
2019: Brecon 23-21 Bonymaen
2018: Brynmawr 50-29 Nant Conwy
2017: Penallta 16-16 Ystalyfera (Penallta won on try count)
2016: Bedlinog 12-10 Penallta
2015: Ystrad Rhondda 25-17 Newcastle Emlyn
2014: Merthyr 29-26 Rhiwbina
2013: Heol y Cyw 20-19 Rhydyfelin
2012: Penallta 21-15 Nant Conwy
2011: Ammanford 35-13 Glynneath
2010: Maesteg 33-25 Kenfig Hill
2009: Ammanford 46-20 Risca
