Devereux, a former British Lion and Welsh international in both codes, and Ellis, a Rugby League star, boast a combined age of 80 and a host of international caps between them - but Maesteg could've have done even better than that if fellow double international 41-year-old
Alan Batemen had recovered from an injured shoulder in time!
However, Maesteg coaches Gareth Brown and Leighton O'Connor will welcome the experienced heads of centre Devereux and scrum-half Ellis as they take on the Welsh All Blacks.
"I don't think there's anyone in Welsh rugby who won't put Neath as firm favourites for this match, but we will certainly not be holding anything back," Brown said.
"If we get the chance, who knows what might happen on the day?
"It's a big day for Maesteg - it's only the second time the club have got to a semi-final.
"On a personal note, I would be thrilled to get to the final, and especially to play against Pontypridd. Their coach, Simon King, and I grew up together as children.
"It will be a special day for all the players. It's great for the fans that they don't have far to travel and it's fantastic that the game will be shown live on TV.
"As a club, we have gained tremendously from having the likes of Allan Bateman, Kevin Ellis and John Devereux at the club. They are all local to the Maesteg area and have passed on a wealth of experience and rugby knowledge to the young players and the coaches at the club.
"Allan is the fitness co-ordinator for the club and did a fantastic job throughout the summer raising fitness standards.
"The general professionalism of the three guys has certainly rubbed off on the rest of the players coming through the ranks. The fact that these guys are still in such excellent condition at their age is a fine example in itself to the youngsters."
Maesteg’s fighting team spirit is a factor on Neath coach Rowland Phillips’ mind as his team prepare to take one step closer to the Cup and League double.
“As a team, they never say die. You may come away with a win on the scoreboard but they’ll make you fight for everything,†said Phillips.
“We managed a win at the Old Parish last Wednesday, but it could easily have gone the other way. Players like the Boobyers, John Devereux and Kevin Ellis have brought experience and professionalism to the squad and yet there is a tremendous team spirit.
“We will not be taking anything for granted on Sunday but we will do what we can to get to the Millennium Stadium on May 6.â€
Maesteg: Lloyd Warner; Grant Epton, Roddy Boobyer/Alun Brown, John Devereux, Gareth John; Stuart Morris, Kevin Ellis/Richard Morgan; Gareth Edwards, Gareth Thomas, Steve Tremlett, Gavin Ronan, Mike Collins, Marcus Sainsbury, Ian Boobyer (capt), Matthew Wareham Replacements: Craig Hopkins, Lee Williams, Alex Peever, Gareth Bartlett, Richard Morgan/Kevin Ellis, James Dickson, Alun Brown/Roddy Boobyer.
Neath players available for selection: Backs: Neil Clapham, Gareth Morris, Aled Brew, Richard Johnston, Stephen Thomas, Aled Bevan, Wayne Mitchell, Jonathan Spratt, James Hook, Arwel Thomas, Patrick Horgan, Gareth James, Martin Roberts; Forwards: Alun Wyn Davies, Cai Griffiths, Andrew Howell, Paul Jones, Craig Mitchell, Andy Littlehales, Gerwyn Price, Ed Shervington, Steve Martin (captain), Martin Morgan, Ben Davies, Andy Llewellyn, Hywel Jenkins, Dan McShane, James Davies, John McPhail, Simon Pengelly
Referee, Phil Fear; touch judge No 1, Howard Hopkins; touch judge No 2, tbc; touch judge No 3, Lyndon Young.
