Welcome to Carmarthen Quins for the third meeting of the clubs this season.
In particular it will be good to see coach Craig Evans, the former Aberavon fly half, who was not only a splendid rugby player, but also a gentleman.
Also welcome to lock forward Haydn Pugh, who hails from North Wales, but came South many years ago to improve his rugby. Another splendid man on and off the field.
I am sure that Stef Thomas, who has served his club well for many years, will be here in his role of team manager. It would be hard to think of the Quins without him.
I reckon that Aberavon first met Carmarthen in 1900; then Carmarthen Athletic in 1983-84 and finally the ‘Mighty Quins’ in 1989-90.
This season we won by 26-3 on Carmarthen Park in the Cup when Aberavon turned on their best away performance, but it was closer at home in November, when we won by 22-17. I am sure it will be close again this afternoon.
On the Aberavon side, Aled Thomas, Rheon James and Chris Banfield are all former Carmarthen players. All three have served us well and I know Aled and Rheon can speak fluent Welsh and a bit of English. Not sure about Chris!!
One thing is certain with the Quins is that we will see the ball moved around well and I think everyone wants to see that today.
It has been another odd season with home and away games in the cup, yet only five or six home games in the league depending how it came out of a WRU hat.
Our referee today is due to be Craig Evans, a star from a young age, so young that his brother is still on the wing for Llandovery.
It has making of a lively open match for us to watch.