Ystrad’s reward is a final clash with Championship East counterparts Bargoed in one of the showpiece finals at #RTP24 at the home of Welsh rugby on 7 April. That is after Bargoed proved too strong for Bedwas in their semi-final at Newbridge, running out 34-8 victors.
Outside centre Cavan Davies scored twice with No8 Kelly Jones and wing Alex Webber also crossing for Ystrad Rhondda. Outside half Rhys Truelove added three conversions as his side sped into a 21-7 interval lead before finishing things off with a fourth try after the break.
Dylan Williams, twice, Ashley Norton and Keegan Bale all scored for Bargoed in the first half of their game with Bedwas, with Josh Prosser converting Williams’s second try for a 22-3 half time lead.
Norton bagged his second try after the break before a Jordan Howells try, converted by Prosser, capped a fine win. James Dixon kicked a penalty for Bedwas in the first half while Lloyd Wilkins scored a try in the second.
It means the final will be a fascinating clash between the runners-up in 2023 and 2022. While Ystrad were beaten by Pontypool 12 months ago, Bargoed surrendered a 10 point interval lead before losing 16-13 to Neath the previous year.
Six years ago, outside half Josh White was the hero as he snatched WRU National Bowl glory for Porthcawl with the last kick of a quite unbelievable final against Pembroke at Principality Stadium.
White helped to steer the Seaweeds to another final as they defeated their West Central counterparts Aberavon Quins 24-14 in their Division 2 Cup semi-final at Tonmawr. He finished with nine points as he kicked a penalty and converted all three Porthcawl tries scored by Leon McNally, Will Mahoney and Jon Phillips.
Their reward is a clash with Llanharan, who defeated fellow Two East Central outfit Penarth for the third time this season, coming out on top 23-9 in the other semi-final at the Bridgefield in Bedwas.
The Dairymen were 13-9 to the good at half time, helped by a try from second row Joe Buckle. Scott Jones added the extras and also put over two penalties.
Hooker Jack Walker scored again for Llanharan in the second half. Jones converted before kicking his third successful penalty.
Blaina and Cardiff Quins will battle it out in the Division 3 Cup final. Blaina edged Bryncethin 12-7 at Penarth and in doing so ended the latter’s hopes of reaching a Principality Stadium final for the third time in as many years.
Four penalties from the boot of veteran outside half Dai Langdon sent the Lambs through. They will now meet Cardiff Quins who got the better of Fairwater 16-12 at the Bishop’s Field, in Llandaff.
WRU CLUB CUP FINALS AT #RTP24
Sunday, 7 April
Premiership Cup Final – 5.35pm
Llandovery v MerthyrChampionship Cup Final – 3.15pm
Bargoed v Ystrad RhonddaDivision 1 Cup Final – 1.00pm
Llanelli Wanderers v Glynneath
Saturday 6 April – 5.45pm
Division 2 Cup Final – 5.45pm
Porthcawl v LlanharanDivision 3 Cup Final – 3.30pm
Blaina v Cardiff QuinsDivision 4 Cup Final – 1.15pm
Tonna v Newport SaracensDivision 5 Cup Final – 11.00am
Dinas Powys v Seven Sisters
