WRU CUP EXPLOITS
By Elved Jones
The WRU Cup, introduced in 1971-72 posed no threats to the hardened cup fighters of WWRU. Clubs like Ammanford, Penclawdd, Ystalyfera, Ystradgynlais and Resolven had enjoyed thirty years of cup fighting experience.
In the inaugural year Cefneithin gave the eventual winners Neath the fright of their lives when it took fifteen minutes of injury time to finally get them through by 16pts to 9, being behind by 9pts to 8 after eighty minutes.
Penclawdd, Felinfoel and especially Waunarlwydd were also heroes of that year's competition. Waunarlwydd came within a whisker of beating Pontypridd for a Semi-Final spot in 1974-75. Many other clubs rattled the big clubs to the core. Crynant narrowly lost 14-9 to Llanelli, Tumble went down on try count to the mighty Newport after a 1-all draw and who can forget Burry Port's match with Swansea which wasn't settled until the last gasp of extra time in Swansea's favour.
Mumbles beat Cross Keys, Swansea had to once again bring all their forward power into being after being given a rugby lesson by the impish backs of Llandybie. Cwmavon put up tremendous displays against Penarth, Bridgend and Cardiff. Pontypool twice having to fight for their lives at Cwmllynfell and Pontarddulais while high flying Maesteg were pushed all the way by lowly Llandovery. Who can ever forget the six all draw between Ystradgynlais and Llanelli with the big boys going through virtue of scoring the only try.
Over the last twenty five years we have enjoyed continued success against the major clubs. Two of the most notable being the 4 points to nil defeat of Newport by Penclawdd and the best cup achievement to date by a WWRU Club when Seven Sisters went down to Llanelli in a memorable semi final at the Gnoll.
With the advent of regional rugby our clubs are now spread over the WRU leagues and it will not be too long before the WRU Cup is displayed in one of our clubs' trophy cupboards.