ON January 22, 1983, Abergavenny RRC wrote themselves another proud page in their colourful history when they stormed the gates of Stradey Park to take on the mighty Llanelli.

Ten coaches of supporters took the trip to West Wales to back the claret and ambers in their Schweppes cup clash against Ray Gravell and the boys.

Aber had fought a long and hard campaign to earn a place in the last 16 of the national competition.

They had defeated Merit Table club Abertillery, 13-9, and then delivered the goods against Llanharan and Pembroke Dock Quins for a big showdown in the wild west.

They eventually lost 17-6, but outscored Llanelli by six points in the second half and put in a performance the whole town could be proud of.

Fast forward the clock some 36 years, and Aber are again relishing the prospect of another match to remember when they face Penycraig RFC in the quarterfinals of the Welsh Rugby Union’s National Bowl competition.

The Finals Day for all three of the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions will be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and televised live in April. Abergavenny RFC, now in the last eight of the Bowl, are just two games away from the final.

In this cup run so far Abergavenny have defeated; New Panteg, 22-10, Fairwater (Cardiff), 43-38, Treharris, 9-7 and Llanhilleth, 28-18. They have also been impressive in their league campaign and sit top of Division Three East A, having lost one game from 12.

In their last 32 games they have only lost twice. The First XV squad comprise of local lads supplemented from the Quins reserve team.

The team is led by coaches Simon Williams and Nathan Thomas, a former Welsh International back row forward who played for Llanelli and Bath. Thomas, now in his 40s, is an inspiration to young players off and on the field as he still plays and leads from the front.

The club are appealing for all sports fans in Abergavenny to come and support the team on Saturday, March 2 at Bailey Park (Kick off 2.30pm).

It is a massive date in the club’s history and their best run in a national competition since the 82/83 season.

It will be the last chance to support them in the competition at home, as should they win, the Semi-Finals will be at a neutral venue.

Whilst entry to the park is free the club ask a nominal sum of £3 from supporters that goes to the running of the club. All supporters are welcome in the clubhouse for refreshments after the game.