And former Wales international Roger Bidgood, now backs coach with the Castlemen, says the atmosphere around the town is unrecognisable.
“The town is buzzing,” said Bidgood. “We’ve all been thinking about the game since beating Aberavon so hopefully we can pull out a performance for the supporters.”
Neath have won the competition three times, in 1972, 1989 and 1990, and with Rowland Phillips at the coaching helm, they hold the favourites tag.
They have beaten Caerphilly twice already in league matches this year – but they are not getting carried away.
“Whatever tag you are labelled with you just go out there and try and win,” said Phillips. “We’re not getting drawn into that kind of philosophy, if you expect victory that’s when you get caught out.
“We’re not dwelling on the past, we are just set on preparing for this game.
“Caerphilly, as I have said throughout the season in respect of our league fixtures, have the ability to beat anyone.
“For quite a number of years they have shown themselves to be Neath’s Achilles heel.
“On that basis we appreciate the huge task that lies ahead of us on Saturday evening. There is no such thing as favourites or underdogs on these occasions, and the teams involved have shown themselves to be the best cup sides in Wales by reaching the final. “We will not underestimate our opponents.
“But everyone’s fighting fit and the only long term injury we’ve had to deal with at the club has been Andy Matthews. Apart from him we’re all ready and raring to go.”
Caerphilly, on the other hand, have called in two players from outside their squad because of injuries. Wales Under-21 Tyron Morris has been drafted into the Caerphilly back row from Cross Keys and he will engage in a fascinating battle with former international Brett Sinkinson in the Welsh All Blacks back row. And on the wing Chris Thomas has been drafted in from Newport.
“We’ve had a catalogue of injuries with our open side flankers made all the worse when one of the guys from our development squad dropped a bombshell that he was going on holiday tomorrow (Friday)!” added Caerphilly forwards coach Paul Yardley.
“Luckily we have Tyron on loan from Cross Keys and he will be testing himself against the best in Brett Sinkinson.
“With a Cup Final it’s all on the day. Come Saturday I think it’s going tobe a hell of a game and, if we get our game plan right, who knows what can happen.”
Neath: Gareth Morris; Kevin James, Mike Jones, Wayne Mitchell, Richard Johnston; Matthew Jones, Patrick Horgan; Paul Jones (Captain), Andrew Littlehales, Andrew Howell, Mark Jones, Lyndon Bateman, Brett Sinkinson, John McPhail, Hywel Jenkins
Replacements: Darren Poland, Cai Griffiths, Ben Davies, Andrew Llewellyn, Owen Gustafson, John Leyshon, Chris Anderson
Caerphilly: Justin Thomas; Paul Phillips, Ryan Howells, Roddy Boobyer, Ian Carter; Stuart Thomas, Andrew Peggington; Lee Manning, Peter Harrison, Geraint Liddon, Mark Workman, Paul Jones, Steve Gardner, Tyron Morris, Andrew Williams (Captain)
Replacements: Grant Pritchard, Danny Hitchins, Brian Edwards, Darren Sweet, Lee Howells, Neil Watkins, Tommy Guy
