Gilfach Goch were placed in “dreamland” when the draw for the fifth round of the SWALEC Cup was made by bagging a home tie against holders Neath on the weekend of 24 January.
It was just the early Christmas present the Division 2 East club were hoping for as they seek to build on their 22-3 fourth round triumph over Cwmbran.
“We’re living in dreamland,” said Gilfach coach Adrian Neck. “We’re looking at it as a David v Goliath clash, but we will give it our best shot despite facing a side of their pedigree.”
Gilfach Goch were promoted from Division 3 East last season and are currently occupying their highest ever league position of fourth place in Division 2 East. Promotion is still in their sights, but over the festive season all eyes will be firmly fixed on preparing for the cup tie with Neath.
“The players have worked hard get where they are. Everyone at the club is looking forward to the match with Neath – it’s going to be a major event for the club,” added Neck.
Neath are one of seven Premiership sides who have to travel in round five, with leaders Llanelli joining the champions in facing a trek to a lower division outfit. They will travel to the home of renowned Division 3 East cup battlers Garndiffaith.
Cardiff will be back on the road following their routine 55-17 triumph in north Wales over Bethesda in round four. This time their journey will take them to Pembrokeshire to face Division 1 West side Narberth.
Another Division 1 West side, Corus, will also host a Premiership club. Currently in fifth place in the table, one behind Narberth, Corus’s reward for their walk-over against Fleur-de-Lys is a home clash with near neighbours Aberavon.
High scoring Swansea, who beat Bala 104-3 last weekend, will take to the road next month and can expect a far harder time at Bridgend Athletic, who beat Chepstow 72-3
There are two all-Premiership clashes, with Pontypridd hosting Pontypool and Newport entertaining Bridgend. Newport have already beaten Bridgend in the league this season, a narrow 18-17 win at the Brewery Field, and they will play the return match on 3 January ahead of their cup clash.
There are four other Premiership sides who will have home advantage next month. Ebbw Vale will host Ynysybwl of Division 2 East and Llandovery will welcome Bargoed, from Division 1 East.
Glamorgan Wanderers will have their hands full when they meet the giant killers of Round 4, Newbridge in Cardiff. Newbridge were 18-15 winners over Premiership rivals Bedwas away from home last weekend and will fancy their chances of causing another upset in Round 5.
They currently lead Division 1 East and are hoping to return to the top flight next season. Cross Keys are also at home to Builth Wells.
Rumney and Caerphilly, both from Division 1 East, will have home ties as they aim to reach the last 16. Rumney host the current runaway leaders of Division 2 East, Tredegar, while Caerphilly will meet either fellow Division 1 East side Penallta or Llangennech, of Division 1 West, at Virginia Park.
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Neath RFC
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Garndiffaith RFC
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Llanelli RFC
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Cross Keys RFC
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Builth Wells RFC
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Whitland RFC
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