Unbeaten Penallta will launch the defence of their WRU National Plate title at home to Risca this weekend.
The Pitmen won the title for the second time last season thanks to a last-ditch try from Max George that enabled them to win at the Principality Stadium on try count after the game against Ystalyfera had ended in a 16-16 draw.
This season they have won all five league games in Division 1 East, yet still find themselves trailing Brynmawr by two points. They have already beaten Risca once this season, 27-14 away from home on the opening day of the season.
Brynmawr, who took Brecon’s unbeaten record last weekend, head to Hartridge. The Division 1 East Central champions, and current leaders, Treorchy host St Peter’s
Last season’s runners-up, Ystalyfera, will also kick-off with a home game, against Cwmavon, while the draw will also include the two teams from last season’s WRU National Plate final following their promotions last season.
Amman United enjoyed a spectacular season as they won the Plate and Division 3 West B without losing a game. They have found life a little bit tougher in Division 2 West and will be hoping to turn the tables on league rivals Carmarthen Athletic, who beat them 27-11 at the start of the season.
Caerphilly, who they beat 43-31 in the 2017 Bowl final, will start with a home contest against Croesyceiliog. North Wales champions Pwllheli face a tricky away trip to Caernarfon, while Division 1 West Central leaders Maesteg Quins put their unbeaten run on the line at home against their nearest rivals, Kenfig Hill, who they have already beaten 34-7 in the league.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE – ROUND 1
Friday, 6 October, 2017
Nant Conwy v Bro Ffestiniog
Saturday, 7 October, 2017
Aberavon Quins v Nantymoel
Abercarn v Nantyglo
Aberdare v Llanharan
Abertillery BG v Ynysybwl
Amman United v Carmarthen Athletic
Bala v Ruthin
Blaenavon v Caerleon
Blackwood v Cwmbran
Bridgend Athletic v Bonymaen
Builth Wells v Brynamman
Caernarfon v Pwllheli
Caerphilly v Croesyceiliog
Caldicot v Pill Harriers
Cambrian Welfare v Abercynon
Cardiff Quins v Mountain Ash
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Glamorgan Wanderers
Colwyn Bay v Dolgellau
Cwmgors v Morriston
Felinfoel v Dunvant
Fishguard & Goodwick v Penclawdd
Garndiffaith v Brecon
Gilfach Goch v Rumney
Hartridge v Brynmawr
Hendy v Gowerton
Kidwelly v Loughor
Llandudno v Mold
Llanelli Wanderers v Tenby United
Llangefni v Bethesda
Llangennech v Gorseinon
Llantrisant v Penarth
Llantwit Fardre v Cilfynydd
Llanybydder v Crymych
Maesteg v Penlan
Maesteg Celtic v Ammanford
Maesteg Quins v Kenfig Hill
Mumbles v Aberystwyth
Nelson v Talywain
Penallta v Risca
Pencoed v Taibach
Pontarddulais v Tycroes
Pontypool United v Ynysddu
Porth Quins v Dinas Powys
Rhiwbina v Barry
Senghenydd v Dowlais
St Clear’s v Tumble
St Joseph’s v Heol y Cyw
Tondu v Seven Sisters
Treorchy v St Peter’s
Waunarlwydd v Nantyffyllon
Whitland v Pontyberem
Ystalyfera v Cwmavon
Ystradgynlais v Resolven
Ystrad Rhondda v Llanishen