Damien Hudd is all set to add to his already impressive collection of silverware from his time at Ebbw Vale as Brymawr target two trophies in the next 12 days.
The Division 1 East side face four games in that time that could secure them a league and cup double to crown their greatest season of all-time. Already confirmed as finalists in the WRU Plate Final at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, 29 April, last weekend’s 42-14 home win over Pontypool United, who had beaten them in the Ben Francis Cup final last season, moved them 14 points clear on Brecon at the top of Division 1 East after their nearest rivals were beaten 40-37 at Nelson.
They now face a run of three successive home games before heading to the Principality Stadium in which they could secure the title. They host fifth placed Risca on Wednesday, 18 April, receive eighth placed Caerleon on Saturday and then tackle their biggest rivals for the title, Penallta, on Tuesday, 24 April.
For Hudd it means he now only one step away from another appearance at the home of Welsh rugby having been a teenage replacement for Ebbw Vale in their 2002 WRU Challenge Cup semi-final against Llanelli as part of a double-header at the then Millennium Stadium.
“It’s nice for the players to be pushing for titles this season and there is always a bit of extra space on the mantelpiece for another medal. The club haven’t won a title since 2008, when we won the Division 3 East league,” said Hudd.
“I was captain that season, but then went off to join Ebbw Vale. There are still some players who have stuck with it since then, through some bad times and good, and winning some silverware this season would be a huge reward for them.
“As well as these two trophies, we could also be involved in a play-off to get into the WRU National Championship if we can stay on top of the table. We may be playing twice a week, every week in the closing stages of the season, but I have to say I’m just loving every minute of it at the moment.
“We’ve got virtually a completely home-grown team and we all work for each other. It’s great to be going back to the Principality Stadium next week.
“It is a long, long time ago that I last played there for Ebbw Vale against Llanelli in a Cup semi-final in 2002. We’ve been doing pretty well so far this season, but we know we cannot take anything for granted.”
Penallta’s crushing 59-7 bonus-point win over Croesyceiliog at home last weekend means they can still reach 96 points if they secure maximum points in their six remaining matches. Brynmawr have four games left and are currently on 83 points.
It means that if the ‘Mawr can add to the 15 bonus point wins they have picked up in their 17 victories to date this week then they could be in a position to secure the title with a win over Penallta. That game will also give them the chance to avenge the 32-5 on 5 October – the last time they lost in the league or cup.
Their last game is a tricky away trip to Nelson on 5 May, the team they beat 27-24 in extra-time in the semi-finals of the WRU Plate. They will meet Nant Conwy in the final.
The North Walians are two wins away from wrestling the Division 1 North title away from arch-rivals Pwllheli in their final three fixtures. Their 43-12 home win last weekend was their last outing before heading to the Principality Stadium and took them to 86 points, 12 clear of second place Pwllhelli and a further point ahead of third-placed Bala.
They finish off their season with a trip to Colwyn Bay (5 May) and then home games against Llangefni (12 May) and Llandudno (16 May). Pwllheli can only reach 96 pints and have one defeat more than Nant Conwy, which means once Nant reach 96 they will have take the title for the first time since 2013 .
In Division 1 East Central, Ystrad Rhondda are in pole position to take the title with three games left to play. They currently have 84 points and lead Glamorgan Wanderers by four points with a game in hand.
The Wanderers can get to 90 points, third-placed Rhiwbina can get to 85 and reigning champions Treorchy, back in fourth, can reach a maximum of 89. With only two defeats all season, Ystrad could take the title with six more points.
In Division 1 West Central, Maesteg Celtic remain unbeaten after 15 games and lead the table by five points with three games in hand on Bridgend Athletic. In Division 1 West, Gowerton lead the way with 63 points, but second placed Felinfoel have five hands in hand and are only three points adrift.
