JPR Williams’ Bridgend side powered to the first of two Cup triumphs against Ponty that year. And they struck again a season later to complete back-to-back Cup wins. Those days seem like a lifetime ago for the Ravens, who last reached a Cardiff showcase back in 1990.
But they have a chance to repeat the feat against an all-conquering Pontypridd side who have been involved in the last five Millennium Stadium finals. But Bridgend are the only side to beat the men from Sardis Road this season and Williams reckons they could cause an upset at 5.35pm on Sunday.
He said: “It’s a great occasion for the players and this will be the greatest game they ever play in at this magnificent stadium. It’s also a day-out for the spectators. Pontypridd have a very good set of supporters and it’s a great day for them.
“Form goes out of the window on a one-off occasion like this. Bridgend beat Pontypridd last time out but I wouldn’t read too much into that because it will be a typical cup final. Whoever plays better on the day will win.
“It was fantastic for the club to win the cup against Pontypridd in 1979 because we had Championship winning sides in the sixties, but in an unofficial league. The SSE Swalec Cup came in in the 1970s and became a big thing that drew huge crowds.”
The Wales and British and Irish Lions legend got the better of national team-mate Tommy David that day, who started in the back-row. It will not only be David supporting the Ponty cause, with a Valleys army set to descend on the capital city.
And David reckons their love for their club plays a vital role in their recent success. He said: “The cup finals have great memories for me, they are such special occasions. I remember the build up to the final in ’79 and having to tell players they would or would not be playing. I had a few wives and parents not speaking to me after that.
“But to come to the Millennium Stadium, one of the best in the world, is going to be special for our players. Pontypridd have been incredible over the last couple of years, in my opinion they have never lost their identity. They have massive support and the whole club is run well from top to bottom.
“They’ve got a wonderful opportunity to create history. I was at the Bridgend game when they beat us at home and they deserved the win that day. So from the very first whistle Ponty will go into this thinking Bridgend are favourites and they have to get one over on them.
SSE SWALEC Finals Day, Sunday 3 May, Millennium Stadium
1pm SSE SWALEC Bowl Final Cambrian Welfare v Ystradgynlais
3.15pm SSE SWALEC Plate Final Ystrad Rhondda v Newcastle Emlyn
5.35pm SSE SWALEC Cup Final Bridgend v Pontypridd
Tickets £10 (Under 16s £5)
Go to wru.wales/tickets for print at home option available until 10am Sunday. Tickets also availbale to personal callers from WRU Ticket Shop on Westgate Street including matchday
