No fewer than three teams from Maesteg will be aiming to prove that rugby is very much alive and kicking in the town when they all play at home in the second round of the WRU National Plate. Could two of them go all the way to the Principality Stadium for the WRU Finals Day?
All three teams were drawn at home in Round 1, but Maesteg received a walk-over when Penlan failed to raise a team. Celtic, of Division 2 West Central, upset the odds by beating Division 1 West Central side Ammanford 18-15, while the unbeaten Quins beat Division 1 West Central rivals Kenfig Hill for the second time this season, 25-10.
The draw for the second round was once again kind to the Maesteg trio with Maesteg drawn to face Dunvant, the Quins given a home clash with Pontypool United and Celtic given the task of hosting Llanelli Wanderers.
“I suppose it is quite unusual and a bit unique that we have all ended up playing on the same weekend, but it’s a shame that Nantyfyllon didn’t get through as well. Then we could have had even more local clubs playing at home,” said Maesteg Quins Secretary, Alan Thomas.
“The romance of the cup isn’t as strong as it used to be because clubs in higher divisions have far more resources than clubs like us and we wouldn’t want to play a Premiership club. But it’s great for players who may never get a chance to play at the Principality Stadium to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Maesteg Celtic fixture secretary Robert McGee believes this weekend proves that grass roots rugby still holds a prominent place in Welsh towns. Celtic take a seven match unbeaten league and cup record into the game.
“I think it is good for Maesteg because it shows how rugby is alive and kicking in the town. I think that there is a rivalry between all the clubs in the town and that’s a good thing,” said McGee.
“When we have played local derbies in the league in the past they have had an extra edge about them, so the rivalry is alive and kicking. It shows there is a big interest in grass roots rugby.”
Reigning champions Penallta’s reward for beating Division 1 East rivals Risca in the opening round of their defence is another home tie. The Pitmen will welcome Pencoed, from Division 2 West Central, in Round 2.
Last season’s runners-up, Ystalyfera, have a second successive home draw. They beat Cwmavon 38-0 in Round 1 and will entertain Division 1 North side Llandudno later this month.
Unbeaten Division 1 East table-toppers Brynmawr will host Porth Quins, of Division 1 East Central, who squeezed their way into Round 2 with a last gasp kick that made it 27-25 to them in their home clash with Dinas Powys.
WRU National Plate Round 2
Aberavon Quins v Nant Conwy
Abercarn v Croesyceiliog
Aberystwyth v Hendy
Brynamman v Cwmgors
Brynmawr v Porth Quins
Crymych v Blackwood
Dowlais v Pwllheli
Gilfach Goch v Gorseinon
Kidwelly v Glamorgan Wands
Llangefni v Ruthin
Maesteg v Dunvant
Maesteg Celtic v Llanelli Wands
Maesteg Quins v Pontypool Utd
Mountain Ash v Rhiwbina
Nelson v Cambrian Welfare
Penallta v Pencoed
Penclawdd v Blaenavon
Pill Harriers v Bonymaen
St Joseph’s v Cilfynydd
Tondu v Carmarthen Athletic
Treorchy v Resolven
Tycroes v Llantrisant
Waunarlwydd v Brecon
Whitland v Tumble
Ystrad Rhondda v Dolgellau
Ynysybwl v Llanharan
Ystalyfera v Llandudno
