Penallta rugby club are still on course for a double dose of delight at the Principality Stadium in the WRU Cup Finals weekend after both their 1st and 2nd XVs made it through in the National Plate and Bowl competitions last weekend.
But they both face tricky away games in the next round on 9 December with the 1st XV heading to either Brynamman or Cwmgors and the 2nd XV going to Division 3A East club, Oakdale. The club that has produced a host of professional players, including new Wales squad hooker Elliot Dee and Dragons outside half Arwel Robson, are currently the proud owners of the WRU National Plate.
They beat Ystalyfera to the title last season having been pipped by a last gasp drop goal in the 2016 final by Bedlinog. Now they are eying up a third successive trip to the home of Welsh rugby – but with two teams rather than one.
The 2nd XV showed their strength by beating Pyle 27-0 away from home last weekend in the third round of the National Bowl. They are now the only surviving 2nd XV in the competition.
Having beaten Risca 27-19 in the opening round, the Penallta senior side were even more convincing winners last weekend in Round 2 of the National Plate as they beat Pencoed 58-10. That made it nine successive league and cup wins to date this season.
The three Maesteg clubs all made it through to the next round, squeezing every ounce of advantage out of their home draws to bag wins by one score or less. Maesteg beat Dunvant 37-33, Maesteg Celtic triumphed 18-16 over Llanelli Wanderers and Maesteg Quins edged out Pontypool United 14-10 in three thrillers.
The Quins received a Bye into the fourth round, while Maesteg will host Gorseinon and Celtic will entertain North Wales champions Pwllheli in a really tough game. It was a tough draw for the North Walians with Ruthin drawn to travel to Croesyceiliog and Nant Conwy due to head to unbeaten Whitland.
Taffs Well will get an early taste of what awaits them in the fourth round of the National Bowl when they travel to Treharris this weekend for a Division 3A East Central league clash. Both sides successfully reached the third round last weekend with Treharris edging a thriller at New Tredgar, 19-18, and Taffs Well gaining revenge over Burry Port for their 2016 final defeat with a 23-16 home win.
As well as overturning their defeat at the Principality Stadium two seasons ago, Taffs Well also stripped Burry Port of their unbeaten record this season. There were 13 points from the boot of cool-as-a-cucumber teenage outside half Brandon Thrasher and tries from Justin Jones and Rhys Watkins to guide the home side to victory.
It was a day to forget for Burry Port’s player-coach Gareth Gravell, who not only saw his side lose, but was also sent off by Newport official Peter Hoole for two yellow card offences.
Cardiff University are setting their sights on another trip to the Principality Stadium after their 33-7 win over Rhyl. Their reward is a third successive home draw against another North Wales side, Shotton Steel.
Monmouth were the biggest winners in the third round with a 61-12 triumph over Penybanc and they also host northern opponents in round four with a visit from Newtown.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE – ROUND 3
Matches to be played the weekend of 9 December, 2017
Aberystwyth v Glamorgan Wanderers
Blaenavon v Waunarlwydd
Brynamman/Cwmgors v Penallta
Croesyceiliog v Ruthin
Crymych v Tondu
Llantrisant v Ynysybwl
Maesteg v Gorseinon
Maesteg Celtic v Pwllheli
Mountain Ash v St Joseph’s
Whitland v Nant Conwy
Ystalyfera v Bonymaen
Byes
Brynmawr
Maesteg Quins
Nelson
Treorchy
Ystrad Rhondda
WRU NATIONAL BOWL – ROUND 4
Matches to be played the weekend of 9 December, 2017
Cardiff University v Shotton Steel
Laugharne v Pembroke
Monmouth v Newtown
Oakdale v Penallta II
Penygraig v St Julian’s HSOB
Porthcawl v Trimsaran
Treharris v Taffs Well
Byes
Abercwmboi
COBRA
Deri
Hafodyrynys
Nantgaredig
Newport Saracens
Old Illtydians
Swansea Uplands
Wrexham
