History doesn’t happen it’s made. And this Sunday 15 players from Abergavenny RFC will be taking to the same pitch where legends of the game have made their name, as they battle Oakdale RFC for a chance to win the WRU National Bowl competition and make a little history of their own.

They club have already achieved an historic feat in getting to the showdown at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Previously, Aber’s biggest success in the same competition came when they stormed the gates of Stradey Park to take on the mighty Llanelli in the quarter-finals on January 22 1983. They were unlucky that day but this time around fate has been kind and performances have been dynamic.

Some 36 years later and the club is preparing for the biggest game of its life. By getting to the final they have already reached an all-time high in the club’s 144 year history. Win or lose on Sunday their achievement will be talked about for another 144 years. Yet if they dream big, dig deep, aim high and pull out a win. Then they’re not just making history, they’re creating a legend and legends are remembered forever.

There’s only 15 players taking to the pitch but they’re carrying the hopes of an expectant club, a watching community, and a waiting town.

It’s a big responsibility but the claret and ambers have already proven they have what it takes to get this far. Once again on Sunday it will all come down to an unforgiving 80 minutes, where the telling pass, the crucial tackle, the sloppy error, the tell-tale decision, the cheeky dummy, and the elusive run can make the fraction of the difference between the vanquished and the conquerers.

However this is no David and Goliath showdown. Oakdale ply their trade in the same division as Abergavenny. Only a coin-toss separates these two teams.

The momentum is gathering, the buzz is building, and this Sunday you’ll hear the roar of “C’mon ‘Genny” echoing round the capital.

Yet when the whistle blows and the first ball is booted, all words become null and void. It’s action, and action alone which makes the difference and wins the day. Without further ado let’s meet the men who are hoping to lift the silverware and bring it on home to the town they represent.