WEST Mon RFC are aiming to make history tomorrow night as they target a first appearance in the Ivor Jones Cup final since 1955.

The club, now known officially as West Mon PILCS RFC, take on Pontypool rivals Forgeside in the semi-final at the Skew Fields at 6pm on Thursday.

Forgeside won the Ivor Jones Cup in 2011 and 2012 but for West Mon it is a first appearance in the last four of the competition since 1982.

On that occasion they lost 6-4 to ICI Fibres to a late drop goal, having scored the only try of the game.

The team then was: Gary Crewe, Norman Edwards, Steve Curtis, Lyndon Harris, Roger McMillan, Derek Watkin, John Jordan, Paul Powell, Phil Rosier, Roger Griffiths, Mark Jones, John Cavanagh, Jeff Taylor, John Price and subs Dave Bassett and Jason Reed.

Of the present squad coaches Dale Perry and Dean Jones with captain Dai Preece have energised the team to their best season for a long time and they now have difficult choices in selecting their cup team from a 30-man squad with experienced and younger players competing for places to end their 51-year cup final drought.

West Mon are currently second in Swalec National League Division Three East D, while Forgeside are fifth in the table.

West Mon were founded in 1949 and had two British Lions who turned out for them in Ken Jones and Bryn Meredith.

Gary Crewe, who played in the 1982 semi-final, said: “It’s a big occasion for the club and one we’re all looking forward to.

“It’s not very often that we get to a cup semi-final and there is a lot of interest.

“We’ve got a great fan-base and we have lots of former players travelling significant distance to come and support the boys.”

He added: “We are above Forgeside in the table but we have lost to them [13-6 on January 30] so it will be a tight contest.”

Club president John Price said: “It is hoped that there will be a good turnout of ex-players and members to give the team support.

“After the match refreshments will be taken at the club headquarters – PILCS Social Club, New Inn.”