Nelson will be bidding not only to reach the final of the WRU National Plate for the first time this weekend, but also for the chance to toast the 100th birthday of one of the most famous of all Welshmen.
Standing guard at the entrance to the home of Welsh rugby is a statue to Sir Tasker Watkins, born in Nelson in 1918, who won the Victoria Cross in WW2, became one of the highest Law Lords in the land during his incredible legal career and was a long-standing President of the WRU.
The village club face an almighty challenge in trying to overcome Damien Hudd’s Brynmawr side at Llanharan’s Dairy Field, but head coach Andrew Coombs wants his players to seize the moment Sir Tasker-style and breathe new life into the whole community.
Coombs, knows all about playing at the Principality Stadium having won 10 Welsh caps. The former Dragons second row helped Wales to win the Six Nations title in 2013 and has steered the Unicorns into the Plate semi-finals for the first time.
Standing in their way will be table-topping Brynmawr, who have already beaten them once this season in Division 1 East. But the game at Llanharan this weekend will be a one-off and Coombs wants his players to give the village a much needed shot in the arm.
“We need some excitement in the club and in the village. It’s a thankless task trying to run a local rugby club and at times it can be very difficult,” said Coombs.
“People put in a lot of hard work and it’s more for them really – for the guys who do all the unseen work. The backroom staff, the kit-men and it’s those guys that deserve to get there more than anybody.
“That’s what we are trying to achieve as a team. We want to get there and make some good memories and make some history for the club.”
Nelson beat Ystrad Rhondda in the quarter-finals and now have to tackle a Brynmawr side that has been inspired by former Ebbw Vale skipper Damien Hudd and has only lost once to date this season, against Brecon.
“They are a very tough team with a good set piece and it’s about trying to take away their weapons,” said the six–times capped Coombs
“I was proud of the effort the guys put in against Ystrad Rhondda. They are a very good team and we dismantled them, which was really nice.
“The boys stuck to the game plan and were very accurate on the night which was pleasing. But I think Brynmawr will pose a very different challenge.
“They are top of our league and are clear favourites. It’s going to be the biggest challenge we have faced not just this season but over a few seasons.”
The other semi-final sees Nant Conwy face Ystalyfera in Llanidloes. Divisoin 1 North leaders Nant Conwy were beaten at the same stage last season, while Ystalyfera lost in the final to Penallta on try-count.
Nant currently lead arch-rivals Pwllheli by seven points in the league table and, after three successive season of being pipped to the title by them, look set to win that title for the first time since 2013. They last reached the Plate final in 2012.
Ystalyfera are in the throes of another excellent season and have been fired-up ever since their ‘defeat’ by Penallta last season to return to the Principality Stadium to take the title home. They head to Mid Wales boasting an unbeaten record in league and cup matches, having won every game since being held to a 17-17 draw by Bonymaen on the opening day of the season.
In the WRU National Bowl, Cardiff University will be hoping to continue their season just keeps on getting better and better as they seek to add their victory in the South A BUCS League and their triumph in the play-offs to reach the BUCS Super Rugby level for the first time next season by reaching the Principality Stadium.
Semi-final time! @principalitysta Finals Day on Sunday 29 April beckons for the winners of this weekend’s National Bowl and Plate semi-finals. Good luck to all teams, pob lwc i chi i gyd 🏆🏉👊 pic.twitter.com/FgDQmt6Y0Q
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 29, 2018
They are one step away from a first WRU National Bowl final after claiming a place in the final four with a 19-10 home win over Nantgaredig in last weekend’s postponed quarter-final. That earned them a semi-final clash with Pembroke RFC at Dunvant on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).
Abercwmboi bagged the other semi-final berth after they triumphed 21-10 at Monmouth. That victory means they will face Porthcawl at Taffs Well this weekend (kick-off 2.30pm).
WRU NATIONAL PLATE SEMI-FINALS – SATURDAY, 31 MARCH
Nant Conwy v Ystalyfera (Llanidloes RFC, 2:30pm)
Brynmawr v Nelson (Llanharan RFC, 2:30pm)
WRU BOWL PLATE SEMI-FINALS – SATURDAY, 31 MARCH
Cardiff University v Pembroke (Dunvant RFC, 2:30pm)
Abercwmboi v Porthcawl (Taffs Well RFC, 2:30pm)