It’s semi-final weekend in the JES Rugby League Conference with 20 teams competing for 10 slots on Grand Final Day at The Gnoll on August 18.
This Saturday sees the men’s semi-finals where South Wales Jets take on Cynon Valley Cavaliers at Penallta RFC whilst Bridgend Blue Bulls host Aberavon Fighting Irish at Pyle RFC. Both matches kick off at 2.30pm.
Jets go into their semi-final as overwhelming favourites after still being unbeaten in the Welsh leagues. However they had a close first game at the Cavaliers ground early in the season and head coach Ben Flower knows that his Jets side will need to be on their guard.
He said: “The Cavs, when they have a full-strength side out, are a force to be reckoned with. Yes we’re at home and yes we beat them well at home last time, but if we’re off our game, we could let them in. We need to put in a polished performance from minute one to minute 80 if we want to go back to the Grand Final.”
Brandon Shaw, head coach of Cynon Valley Cavaliers, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of this young team for achieving play-offs in only our second year of running a senior side. We’ve had a really good season with some tough encounters against teams in the league.
“We have lots of young talent coming through and have put ourselves in a brilliant position for years to come.
“A number of our squad won the u16s championship last year and have been playing for the club since it started, it’s a real testament to everyone in the club for all the hard work they have put in over the years and shows what a community club we are. We are all looking forward to the challenge of facing the Jets. The boys are busting to go, and it should be a cracking game of rugby league.”
Bridgend and Aberavon are old rivals from the early days of the league, having met in the first three Grand Finals, all of which the Bulls won.
The two sides met on the first days of the season with Aberavon recording a 28-24 win.
Aberavon head coach Dean Scully said: “After what has been a tough year for the Fighting Irish with multiple season-ending injuries, we are happy to find ourselves in another playoff battle. With two defeats in our last two games we have had to pause and regroup after missing out on a home playoff tie.
“We know Bridgend Bulls will be right up for this game after our last visit but we feel we have what it takes to go on and reach our third consecutive Grand Final.
“The other game sees the Jets take on the Cavs in a repeat of last year’s play-off fixtures. It is clear to see that the standard of the league has improved over the last three seasons that we have returned to the Welsh Conference and I’m sure it will continue to do so.
“Good luck to all the teams involved this weekend as we all aim to progress into next week’s Grand Final at The Lextan Gnoll.”
Bridgend’s head coach Marcus Thomas said: “As we prepare to face Aberavon Fighting Irish at home, the excitement and anticipation within our squad is palpable. The last encounter at a semi-final play-off didn’t go our way, but we are determined to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. This season, our team has worked exceptionally hard, showing incredible dedication and resilience. Our efforts are evident in our positive outlook and strong performances. We are ready to give our best on the field and look forward to a thrilling match. Let’s make it a game to remember!
“Wrth i ni baratoi i wynebu Aberafan gartref, mae’r cyffro a’r disgwyliad o fewn ein carfan yn amlwg. Y tro diwethaf i ni gyfarfod o fewn gêm gynderfynol, ni aeth y canlyniad diwethaf ein ffordd, ond rydym yn benderfynol o sicrhau nad yw hanes yn ailadrodd ei hun. Y tymor hwn, mae ein tîm wedi gweithio’n eithriadol o galed, gan ddangos ymroddiad anhygoel. Mae ein hymdrechion yn amlwg yn ein hagwedd gadarnhaol a’n perfformiadau cryf. Rydym yn barod i roi ein gorau ar y cae ac yn edrych ymlaen at gêm wefreiddiol. Gadewch i ni ei gwneud yn gêm i’w chofio!”
MATCH INFORMATION
Bridgend Bulls vs Aberavon Fighting Irish – Brynglas Field, Pyle, 2.30pm
Referee – Craig Davies. TJ – Ian Curzon & Jason Elward
South Wales Jets vs Cynon Valley Cavaliers – Penallta RFC, Ystrad Mynach, 2.30pm
Referee – Kristoff Young. TJ – Ieuan Griffiths & Ben Truchard
JUNIOR SEMI-FINALS
Sunday sees the junior semi-finals where sides from U12-16 will also be looking to reach Grand Finals day.
There is an opportunity for fans to see “double-headers” throughout South Wales on Sunday, wherever they are (albeit travelling a few miles between the Jets and Wolves grounds). An independent referee will take charge of each double-header.
South Wales Jets vs Pontyclun Kings u12s – Penallta RFC, Ystrad Mynach, 11am
Aber Valley Wolves vs Torfean Tigers u16s – Aneurin Park, Caerphilly, 12.30pm
Referee: Ben Truchard
Swansea Rams vs Cynon Valley Cavaliers u16s – Hendy Park, Hendy, 12pm
Swansea Rams vs Aber Valley Wolves u12s – Hendy Park, Hendy, 1.30pm
Referee: Rob Apsee
Bridgend Bulls vs Torfaen Tigers u13s – Brynglas Field, Pyle, 11.30am
Bridgend Bulls vs Aber Valley Wolves u14s – Brynglas Field, Pyle, 1pm
Referee: John Brewer
Cynon Valley Cavaliers vs Torfaen Tigers u14s – Welfare Ground, Hirwaun, 10.30am
Cynon Valley Cavaliers vs Aber Valley Wolves u13s – Welfare Ground, Hirwaun, 12pm
Referee: Oliver Ford
