Pontypool face yet another away day

WRU National Cup giant-killers Pontypool have been given another tough away-day in the quarter-finals with a nine mile trip to Pandy Park to meet Cross Keys in a classic Gwent derby clash.

The fallen giants of the Welsh game have made it to the last eight the hard way, stunning Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets in the last 32 and then pulling off a thrilling 43-32 victory over Cardiff at the Arms Park last Saturday evening.

The club were ready to offer free admission to all supporters should they land a home draw in the quarter-finals, but they must hit the road again, this time to Pandy Park, Cross Keys, for another date with a Principality Premiership club.

A third Gwent side, Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale, host Merthyr.

The Steelmen have already lost three times to the Ironmen this season, twice in the Foster’s Challenge Cup and once in the Premiership.

They are both in Tier One and are due to meet again at Eugene Cross Park on May 6.

National Cup holders Llandovery face a long trek north to face RGC 1404 at Parc Eirias where they were beaten 28-25 earlier in the season.

They gained revenge for that defeat with a 20-10 Tier One triumph at Church Bank earlier this month.

Carmarthen Quins, last season’s runners-up, are already through to the Foster’s Challenge Cup semifinals and will be bidding to go one better than last season when they lost to the Drovers at the Principality Stadium. WRU National Cup quarterfinals: Carmarthen Quins v Pontypridd; Cross Keys v Pontypool; Ebbw Vale v Merthyr; RGC 1404 v Llandovery (Matches to be played on March 4, subject to TV).

MEANWHILE, Division Two East’s Abercarn meet Division One West Central’s Ystalyfera in the WRU Plate semi-finals on Saturday, March 25. Penallta play Nant Conwy in the other lastfour tie, with both games to take place at neutral venues.

In the WRU Bowl semi-finals, Cardigan clash with Amman United and Cilfynydd go up against Caerphilly.