Jump to main content

Webber turns back clock for Ystrad Rhondda

Alex Webber

Alex Webber of Ystrad Rhondda runs in for his try

Ystrad Rhondda are heading back to the Principality Stadium after they overcame a 17-8 interval deficit to beat Cross Keys 40-22 in the first WRU Championship Cup semi-final.

Share this page:

Neath will meet Pontypool in a clash of the top two teams in the Admiral Championship this weekend to see who joins Ystrad for what will be one of the big games in the ‘Road to Principality 2023’ schedule.

Player-coach Alex Webber was the toast of Ystrad Rhondda after he scored two of his five tries to send the village side to the Principality Stadium next month for the WRU Championship Cup Final. 

Former Wales Sevens and Pontypridd star Webber scored two of his side’s five tries as they turned a 17-8 interval deficit into a 40-22 winning margin over Cross Keys in their semi-final clash. 

Keys had first use of a very strong wind and made the most of their advantage as they notched two tries, one of them a penalty try, in the first half. But back came the minnows to overtake them and book their ticket to the home of Welsh rugby with a brilliant second half showing. 

As well as two tries from Webber, Kurtis Williams, Mason Roderick and Jarred Llewellyn also crashed over the Keys try line. Outside half Rhys Truelove converted three of them and also banged over a hat-trick of penalties. 

Having changed ends nine points in arrears. Ystrad scored three second half tries without reply as they piled on 25 unanswered points to turn the game on its head. 

They were last at the Principality Stadium in 2015, when they won the WRU Plate, and team manager Neil Jones was in the side that took the title that day.

“It is another great achievement for Ystrad to reach the final and we can’t wait to go to Principality Stadium. There is a huge belief within the squad and great camaraderie,” said Jones.

“Alex Webber has returned to the club and made a huge impact both on the field as a matchwinner and off it as a coach. We are a typical village club, tight knit, passionate and willing to work foor each other.” 

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Official Broadcast Partners
BBC Cymru/Wales
S4C
Official Partners
Heineken
Isuzu
Guinness