But it will be like turning the clock back for people who watched that clash because Callum Davies is the son of Vince Davies, who scored the Pooler try that day, and a spitting image of his father.
“I played with Vince and it’s like he’s on the pitch when Callum is playing. Not only do they look so alike but Callum is also a flanker and his style of play is identical to his father. Sometimes I look at him on the pitch and think it’s Vince. It’s uncanny,” said Pontypool backs coach Shaun Connor.
Vince Davies is hoping the class of 2023, who are bidding for an invincible season, do what the formidable team of 1991 failed to deliver.
He said: “I think we may have been leading at half-time after I was on the end of a cracking team try. I only had to pick up the ball at the base of a ruck and dived over the line for the hard work had already been done.
“It was a hard game and Llanelli got away from us in the second half. Their full-back Ian Jones, who disappeared off the scene soon afterwards, opened us up with his running from deep.
“But it was a fabulous day out and there was a brilliant atmosphere. There may not be so many fans there on Sunday but I’m expecting at least a couple of thousand from Pontypool.
“I hope Callum, who played in a final at the Principality for Bargoed, and the lads can do what we didn’t. Pooler have had a great season but this won’t be easy.
“I watched Ystrad Rhondda at Pontypool Park earlier in the season and they gave Pooler problems. They had a young, mobile side and were dangerous.
“I can’t see this game being a pushover. It’s a final, a one-off match and Pontypool can’t take them lightly for anything could happen.
Connor concurred with his view, saying: “Ystrad are probably the best team we have played this season. They could have beaten us at the Park. They were unbelievably hard-working, hassling us, making everything a mess and getting in our faces. We have to be on top form on Sunday.
“Every club that faces us raise their game because it’s Pontypool, we are viewed as the best team in the division and it’s their cup final.”
Davies, outside-half points machine Matthew Jarvis, wing or centre Deon Smith, experienced back-row forward Scott Matthews, former Wales U20 No.8 Ieuan Jones and current Wales U20 hooker Sam Scarfe and loosehead prop Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths are among the Pontypool players to watch.
Alex Webber of Ystrad Rhondda celebrates at end of game against Cross Keys
But even with all that talent at their disposal, Ystrad Rhondda player-coach Alex Webber has vowed his boys will give ‘it a crack.’
“All the pressure is on them at the weekend – we literally have no pressure on us whatsoever,” he said.
“We are firmly the underdogs – we nearly caught them cold up at their place at the beginning of the season. They beat us in the last play of the game with a penalty try so I think they know they will be in for a game as well. We have literally got a free hit at them.”
The former Wales Sevens flier is in his first season as a player coach and is enjoying the new experience.
“We’ve got some really good talent that’s come through Coleg y Cymoedd so there are bones to a good squad there. We’ve got some really talented backs, some of whom are going to play Prem next year. It’s been quite easy for me to come in and take over really – it’s been good.”
Webber’s try scoring ability could be a real threat to Pooler but he plays down his own role in the semi-final against Cross Keys where his two tries proved crucial.
“I scored a couple of tries which was nice but it’s just a massive thing for the club really – the last time they got there was 2015 so they don’t come round very often especially as a Championship Cup now – it was the Bowl back in the day so we’re in a much higher division now so as a local club to be competing with your Pontypools, your Neaths and your Bargoeds who are ex Premiership is pleasing,” added Webber.
With seven buses going from Ystrad, his side won’t lack for support and Webber believes there are several threats in his side which could cause Pooler a few headaches.
“Kelly Jones at No 8 is a young lad, 6ft 4in, big man for his age while Jarrad Llewellyn, our openside flanker can be a real nuisance everywhere he goes.
“In the backs we have inside centre Cole Morgan – another 19-year-old boy. His dad Craig used to play for Cardiff – he is going to be a quality player in the future.”
