AFTER staying loyal to Brynmawr through the dark times, few in the red, black and amber are prouder than stalwart Adam Lane as the club prepares for a date at Principality Stadium courtesy of a stunning season, writes Chris Kirwan.

On Sunday the 28-year-old lock will attempt to help the club win the WRU National Plate against Nant Conwy (kick-off 3.15pm), part one of a treble bid with the Division One East title within tantalising reach and the chance to lift the Ben Francis Cup.

For Lane it is the stuff of dreams after loyal service to Brynmawr, even when they were struggling to find enough players to fulfil fixtures.

"I've been at the club for 12 years, starting at 16 when I joined the youth team and I've never looked at moving anywhere else," he said.

"I've had a few games on permit for clubs at a higher level but I've been committed to the club and I coached the junior section for years. Brynmawr is my club and I bleed red, black and amber.

"I've gone through some high times in the past and some really low times when we have suffered relegation and struggled to get a side together.

"Over the last five years we have had a group of core players who have stuck together and then the likes of Damien Hudd, Nathan Preece and other strong players have come in to help us push on and finally get some success.

"It's great for me personally, the club but also the town. When you are part of something special over the years it really means a lot, it's good to see smiles on faces rather than people dreading to play.

"We've won the prize of getting to the stadium, which is every man's dream and may not happen again. It's a day to be cherished and if we can get that double, I don't see how it could be topped."

Lane, a pastoral manager at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, has been involved in the junior sections of the club and is thrilled to see Brynmawr flourishing beneath first team level.

He said: "We are always looking to better ourselves as a club and special mention has to go to Rob Kershaw and Anthony Apperley, the secretary and chairman who work tirelessly.

"This isn't just a hobby for them, it's their life and without them and their energy the club wouldn't be where we are now."