It was a day of mixed emotions for the four rugby clubs from Caerphilly County Borough competing to reach Cardiff in their respective National Bowl, Plate, and Cup semi-finals.
For Caerphilly and Penallta, Saturday March 25 signified unbridled celebrations, hearty congratulations and a date at the Principality Stadium to look forward to.
Meanwhile, Cross Keys and Abercarn will be left wondering what could have been, as both fell at the final hurdle in agonising fashion.
In the National Bowl, Caerphilly secured their place in the final thanks to the heroics of outside-half Matthew Hurley, who scored 15 of their 20 points against Cilfynydd, including an intercepted try. Josh Hayward, No8, grabbed Caerphilly’s other try, as the Castlemen held on to reach a final for the first time in 13 years.
They will face an Amman United side boasting former Wales and British and Irish Lions superstar, Shane Williams.
In the National Plate, Abercarn came within a minute of beating Ystalyfera at Llanharan, but a last-gasp drop goal from full-back Steffan Castle gave Fera a 24-22 lead with seconds remaining.
In the other Plate semi-final, Penallta saw off Nant Conwy in a repeat of the 2011 final, as outside-half Joe Scrivens contributed 13 points to give the Pitmen a chance to avenge their last minute defeat to Bedlinog at the Principality Stadium last year.
Penallta were 6-10 down at the interval, but tries from Scrivens and second-row Corey Tucker provided the foundation for the impetus they needed to win 18-13.
Cross Keys gave a spirited display in their National Cup semi-final with Pontypridd, but ultimately fell short at 42-37.
Keys looked way off the pace on the hour mark and faced a 23 point deficit, but three tries in five minutes from Matt Powell, Rhys Fitzgerald and Joe Goodchild made the final quarter of the match a tighter affair.
Former Wales outside-half Ceri Sweeney eventually put Ponty out of sight and into their 13th final appearance, where they face North Walians RGC 1404.
Finals Day takes place at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, on Sunday April 16.
Kick-offs start at 1pm, 3.15pm and 5.35pm respectively.
Tickets are available from www.wru.wales/tickets.
Semi-final Results
Caerphilly 20-14 Cilfynydd
Penallta 18-13 Nant Conwy
Abercarn 22-24 Ystalyfera
Pontypridd 42-37 Cross Keys