A SEASON of consolidation could end with a surprise return to Principality Stadium if Abercarn can repeat their WRU National Plate heroics against Ystalyfera tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Gwent Valleys club have enjoyed back-to-back title triumphs to earn promotion to Division Two East, so establishing themselves at a higher level was primary concern for 2016/17.

Not only have they done that with 10 wins from 15 games but they have combined league exploits with a run to the semi-finals of the Plate.

Abercarn, who lifted the Bowl in the capital in 2010, upset the odds in stunning fashion to make it to the last four when triumphing on the road against One North title hopefuls Pwllheli.

Abercarn, who had enjoyed home triumphs against Pencoed (30-12), Llandudno (47-19) and Croesyceiliog (22-6) to make it to the quarter-finals, looked to be heading out of the competition when trailing 21-8 early in the second half.

However, tries by wing Aled Brown, flanker Greg Baker, centre Jack Davies, wing Rhys Morgan and scrum-half Colin Manning, plus nine points from the boot of fly-half Jamie Baker, earned the spoils against opponents who had only lost once at home in three years.

It has earned a last-four showdown with Ystalyfera of One West Central at Llanharan RFC (kick-off 2.30pm) with a trip to the home of Welsh rugby 80 tantalising minutes away.

"It's a huge game for the club and a huge game for the boys," said coach Dai Price. "It's a really nice situation for us to be in because we never expected any of this.

"After two good promotions we just wanted to consolidate in Division Two and we didn't really think we had a chance against teams from Division One in the cup, so this is all a bonus.

"We went up to Pwllheli and after a big journey and at 21-8 down you wondered what would happen but the boys dug in and played really well for a brilliant win.

"I think we will naturally be underdogs again this weekend because Ystalyfera are in Division One but it's cup rugby so anything can happen and we have shown what we can do to get here."

Abercarn have enjoyed a training tune-up against Principality Premiership club Cross Keys, their neighbours who face a Cup semi-final against Pontypridd, and had a session with Newport Gwent Dragons academy coach and former Wales scrum-half Richie Rees.

Their upset at Pwllheli was on February 18 and after a long wait they are determined to do themselves justice in a bid for the Princiapality Stadium.

"We took our eye of the ball a bit against Abergavenny (losing 17-14) and it's been a difficult beast to manage," admitted Price.

"Everybody, not just the players, has such a big goal in sight and it would be a great achievement for the club after we've progressed up the leagues."

The other plate semi-final takes place at Newtown RFC when Penallta, of Division One East, take on Nant Conwy, leaders of One North.

Finals day is at Principality Stadium on Sunday, April 16 with the Bowl at 1pm, Plate at 3.15pm and Cup at 5.35pm (all games live on S4C). Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and are available at wru.wales/tickets

Bowl semi-finals: Caerphilly v Cilfynydd (at Taffs Well), Cardigan v Amman United (at Lampeter)