HIGH-FLYING Aberystwyth RFC will take a break from league action in Division Two West when they make the long trip to the capital to face Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd in the third round of the SSE Swalec Plate competition on Saturday.

Formed in 1967 as a rugby club for predominantly Welsh speakers in Cardiff - borne from the side that played as Aelwyd Caerdydd in Urdd competitions - CRCC have risen through the League structure to now play in Division Two East Central.

They have had an indifferent start to this season, currently lying ninth in the table, but have only played nine out of a possible 15 League matches so far this term.

The club has been particularly badly hit by the recent adverse weather conditions, not having played a League match since 28 November. They had one Plate outing in December, when they overcame first Division side Brecon very convincingly by 51-23 at home.

On that day, Aberystwyth made another long trek to Pontypool United where they overcame their hosts 10-25 to reach the third round of the competition.

In the opening round of the competition this year Aberystwyth beat Penlan of Two West Central 11-8, whilst CRCC had the better of league rivals St Peters in a narrow 20-23 win.

Aberystwyth RFC secretary Alan Jones said: “CRCC attract players from all over the country, whether or not they speak the native language, and is the main focal rugby point for many youngsters who move to the Cardiff region.

"The playing contingent over the years has included many well known names in Welsh media circles and a couple of former Welsh internationals have turned out.

“Their current player cohort includes several who hail from Ceredigion, notably ex-Aber threequarter Richard Read, son of Aberystwyth trustee Robert, a regular name on the CRCC teamsheet, playing on the wing.

“It will be their first encounter between the two sides in a formal competition, although Clwb teams have played friendlies in Aberystwyth whilst ‘on tour’.”

The wet weather did have some influence on CRCC’s second round match as it rendered their home pitch unplayable; therefore the match had to be switched to Cardiff Arms Park, where they played on the salubrious all-weather pitch.

This Saturday, however, the match will be played on their normal turf at Llandaff Fields (CF11 9HZ), with a 2pm kick-off.