Pontypridd and Bridgend meet in the Cup final for the first time since 1979 at 5.35pm, while Ystrad Rhondda face Newcastle Emlyn in the SSE SWALEC Plate Final (3.15pm) and Cambrian Welfare take on Ystradgynlais to kick off proceedings in the SSE SWALEC Bowl final (1pm).
Pontypridd lost to Bridgend 18-12 in that 1979 final and will be present for the fifth year in a row as they bid to become just the second team in history to win three Cup titles in succession.
The Valley Commandoes bagged their place in yet another final a fortnight ago as they edged Cross Keyes 33-27 in a thrilling encounter.
Tries from full back Aled Summerhill and replacement scrum half Lloyd Williams saw them come from behind to clinch victory, with captain Dafydd Locker and Craig Locke also going over in the opening half, while Jarrod Evans kicked a crucial 13 points.
It all means Ponty remain on course for a Principality Premiership and SWALEC Cup double for the third successive year, in what has been yet another season of dominance.
The other semi-final proved just as dramatic in Aberavon, as winger Tom O’Flaherty’s last-minute try sealed Bridgend’s place in the final for the first time since 1990.
The Ravens were matched throughout the game by a resilient Camarthen Quins side, who scored three tries of their own through Rory Gallagher, Chris Banfield, and Iolo Evans.
Bridgend’s Chris Williams, Adam O’Driscoll and Ashleigh James were all on point, though, meaning O’Flaherty’s late dart for the line was enough to clinch a place in the final, where they will be tasked with spoiling the Pontypridd party. O’Driscoll, and his brother Zac, who also plays for Bridgend, are set to make history on Sunday as they both helped Heol-y-Cyw win the Plate two years ago.
Despite the big difference in league positions, Ponty finishing as table toppers and Bridgend one off the bottom, this season’s head-to-head suggests anything could happen on Finals Day. Back in September, Ponty recorded a 27-17 bonus point win at Sardis Road, but the Ravens got the better of them in the reverse game to inflict a first defeat of the season on the Black and Whites – winning 23-17.
It promises to be another stellar day out for Pontypridd supporters, while all connected with Bridgend will look forward to their first Cup final in 25 years.
In a true festival of Welsh club rugby, Cambrian Welfare of SSE SWALEC League 3 East Central B, and Ystradgynlais of 3 West Central C, will kick off the day’s proceedings in the SSE SWALEC Bowl Final (1pm).
Both clubs could still win their respective league titles, but one thing’s for sure, they have put together a cup run to remember and a win on Sunday would be the icing on the cake, not only for the players and coaches but the many supporters who are planning to make the journey to the home of Welsh rugby.
Scores from Jamie Wicks and Mark Jones booked Cambrian into their first ever Bowl final after they downed Oakdale 16-10 at the semi-final stage.
It wasn’t as straight forward for Ystradgynlais, however, as they progressed on try count alone following a 15-15 draw with Ynysddu.
Bowdy Davies’ hat-trick proved crucial for the now Bowl finalists, whose superior three tries to Ynysddu’s two ensured they earned their place on finals day at the Millennium Stadium.
The SSE SWALEC Plate Final will be next to take centre stage, at 3.15pm, Ystrad Rhondda of SSE SWALEC 1 East Central taking on Newcastle Emlyn of 1 West.
Dano Roberts, Marc Jones, Chris Clayton and Ryan Howells all notched tries as Ystrad romped to a 26-12 semi-final win over Skewen.
Meanwhile, their final opponents Newcastle Emlyn produced a defiant comeback to see off Penallta 23-15 in the other semi-final.
Penallta, who were Plate winners on SWALEC Finals day in 2012, boasted a 15-6 advantage at the break, but tries from Llyr Jones and Shaun Leonard, with the latter converting both in addition to a penalty, saw Emlyn march on to the capital.
With gates opening at 12.30 on Sunday, a whole day of family entertainment is in store. Along with three quality matches, and pre-match entertainment from Tim Cronin, there will be a kids’ zone on the North Stand concourse with fun rugby skills, challenges and craft. Wales internationals Dan Biggar, Scott Williams and Rhys Webb will also be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions during the day.
WRU chairman Gareth Davies said, “The SSE SWALEC Finals Day is the pinnacle of the season for every finalist club and for many players and coaches it is a once in a lifetime experience to cherish for the rest of their lives. The SSE SWALEC Finals are always quality affairs and with six teams representing many of the SSE SWALEC Leagues and the Principality Premiership on Sunday, it will be a true celebration of the grassroots game.”
Colin Banks, interim head of sponsorship at SSE SWALEC, added: “Here at SSE SWALEC we are proud to support Wales’ community rugby clubs through our sponsorship of the National Leagues and Cup competitions. Our rugby sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to supporting the communities in which we serve and work, and we’re very pleased to be supporting Finals Day for the seventh year running. It has been a strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole, and Finals Day promises to be another fantastic day of grassroots rugby for the Welsh fans.”
SSE SWALEC Finals Day
Sunday 3 May
SSE SWALEC Bowl Final 1pm Cambrian Welfare v Ystradgynlais
SSE SWALEC Plate Final 3.15pm Ystrad Rhondda v Newcastle Emlyn
SSE SWALEC Cup Final 5.35pm Bridgend v Pontypridd
Tickets for the day are just £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s. Available to print at home via https://www.eticketing.co.uk/principalitystadium/, from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street or by calling WRU customer care team on 02920 822432
