The Wizards are looking at a top-three finish in the Premier Division and already have a top-four Cup finish guaranteed after booking their place in the semi-finals for the first time in 14 years with a come-from-behind 38-21 win over Cross Keys at Pandy Park. Outside-half Jamie Davies supplied 23 points, including a brace of tries.
Aberavon have a proud Cup record, making the semi-final 12 times and the final twice. They lost both finals – in 1974-75 – to “Cup Kings” Llanelli, and will be glad the Scarlets are out of this season’s competition. In 1988, the Wizards became the only team in Cup history to not score a point in a semi-final – losing 38-0 to Llanelli at the St Helen’s ground.
Wizards coach Chris O’Callaghan became a household name in Welsh rugby late last year when he wrote a tongue-in-cheek programme article that infuriated everyone who lived within 10 miles of the Gnoll.
“I was born in Neath but I won’t admit it, lived in Neath but want to forget it, and when I die I want to be buried face-down on a mountain overlooking Neath with my a*** poking out,” O’Callaghan wrote, to the fury of All Blacks supporters and the bemusement of neutral fans.
It is understood O’Callaghan is not supplying any copy to next weekend’s programme, but his Wizards side and Cup semi-final debutants Caerphilly won’t be short of inspiration as a place in the final beckons.
