The Dairymen are unbeaten this season and are 10 points clear at the top of Division 2 East Central. They booked another visit to the Principality Stadium, where they lifted the WRU National Bowl with a 32-24 victory over Bryncethin two years ago, with a 23-9 win over Penarth at Bedwas.
Tries from hooker Jack Walker and lock forward Joe Buckle, with outside half Scott Jones converting both and landing three penalties for a 13-point haul, saw them safely through to the end of the #RTP24 journey.
Llanharan, who produced Wales captain Gareth Llewellyn and his international brother Glyn Llewellyn, regularly made a mark on the WRU Challenge Cup before the professional era, giving the likes of Cardiff a tasty time.
They climbed the league ladder following the introduction of a national competition structure but fortunes plummeted when the money dried up. The appointment five years ago as coach of the highly respected Nicholas, who was at Caerphilly when they were in the top-flight of Welsh rugby, has resulted in a renewal of fortunes.
They were promoted as Division 3 East Central champions last season following a flood-lit victory over Pentyrch.
“There was a crowd of 1,500 for it at the Dairy Field. I think Llanharan has learnt from previous mistakes and being down in the dumps. When there was money about, they threw too much at it,” said Nicholas.
“That’s changed. We have an excellent committee and we have local boys playing for us – the furthest any of them come from is Pencoed and Tonyrefail.
“We don’t pay a penny. A lot of people say we are paying and it drives me mad because it’s untrue. All the boys have had is a two-pint winning bonus.”
Cousins Harley Thompson, whose father Denver was a flanker at Cardiff, and Jack Thompson are in Nicholas’ squad for the eagerly-awaited showdown with Porthcawl.
Centre Jack Brooks, Jones, back-rowers Ieuan Pring and Lloyd Gregory, Walker and wing Joe Davies are among other players to watch while prop Jay Fletcher is the elder statesman of the team at 39.
With seven bus loads of fans, as well as many others taking the train to the Welsh capital, means the club will have plenty of support for another big day out.
“The last time we were in a final at the Principality Stadium, the platform at Llanharan Railway Station was packed. I’m not an emotional person but I was quite choked by the occasion,” he said.
“When we arrived back at our clubhouse after beating Bryncethin in the final about 500 people were already there and serenaded us with the song ‘Sweet Caroline’ as we walked into the hall.”
Llanharan run teams in all but one age group, at Youth and have two senior sides. Nicholas believes the ‘grow your own’ approach is the right way forward for clubs at this level. But he insists the Dairymen being installed as favourites to beat Porthcawl means nothing.
“We’re unbeaten this season but it’s going to be close. Some people on each side could be slightly overawed by playing at the Principality Stadium,” said Nicholas.
“They will have to deal with the protocol of a match at the home of Welsh rugby, and that’s before they get on the pitch. It’s a day where nerves can be a factor, with a crowd of thousands watching.
“It will be the same for Porthcawl. They are very similar to us in that their squad is packed with local boys and their coaches are local.
“Neither side will be interested in a scrap, both of us want to play rugby. Mind you, I’d be happy to win 3-0.
“It’s going to be a huge day and the nerves are already starting to kick in.”
