Champions Newport among the final four

CUP holders Newport

comfortably worked their way into the semi-finals as they followed up their 45-17 win at Swansea in their opening game in Pool C, with a 32-15 home win over Llanelli.

Llanelli made it a very competitive first half, which ended 15-3 in the home side’s favour, and then stunned their hosts with a try by wing Liam Hutchings a minute into the second half which Josh Phillips converted off the touchline.

Wales U20 wing Oli Andrew crossed in the right corner to stretch the lead to 15 points and Jac Davies grabbed a second try for Llanelli, but the holders finished with a flourish as scrum-half Dafydd Buckland ran in a fifth home try.

Llandovery’s brave effort to top Pool D and get to the semi-finals of the competition fell just short against the current league leaders Cardiff.

Llandovery started with a real bang, constant pressure ending with fullback Jack Maynard sending wing Harri Doel over with a well weighted long pass.

Hooker Craig Thomas got a second home try, converted by Maynard, after a close range line out surge from his pack.

Two Justin James penalties gave them the lead, before the Drovers had an excellent patch without being able to get the vital breakthrough.

A close-range lineout worked in replacement hooker Ricky Guest for a third home try, converted by Maynard.

Another James penalty made it 19-16 with 12 minutes to go with Llandovery needing a try to go through to the last four but it was not to be as the Blue and Blacks ended on attack to dash home hopes.

Pontypridd forced their way into the semi-finals with a dominant 24-5 win against Aberavon.

Following a tense opening half an hour, the visitors opened the scoring with two fine penalties from Ben Burnell.

Burnell then turned the provider for Dale Stuckey who scored the games’ first try just before half time.

Aberavon hit back after the break with a try from Chris Banfield but Burnell kept Pontypridd’s lead ticking with two more penalties.

Aberavon pushed hard towards the end and with the clock in red, Dale Stuckey intercepted an Aberavon pass, to run in from 60 metres and secure a deserved win.

RGC completed a comprehensive 35-17 over an in-form Ebbw Vale side.

Early tries from Dan Owen and Afon Bagshaw gave RGC an early lead, but the hosts didn’t have it all their own way, as Evan Lloyd’s boot kept the Steelmen firmly in the game.

It was anyone’s game as the second half resumed with Ceri Morris’ side leading 10-9.

The hosts soon got to work with a classy try from Danny Cross but Lloyd continued to keep Ebbw Vale within striking distance from the tee.

Two exceptional tries were scored from the experienced Efan Jones before Dion Jones added a drop goal.

Despite a late try from Walker Price, RGC secured their place in the final four of the cup.