Pooler in push for a third scalp

PONTYPOOL head coach Leighton Jones says the club are “looking forward” to their “biggest cup game for a number of seasons” as they prepare to face Cross Keys this afternoon (2.45pm).

Pooler already have two Premierships scalps to their name this season, with victories over Llanelli and Cardiff in the previous rounds, and are aiming for a hattrick at Pandy Park. The National Championship leaders are yet to taste defeat in any competition this year, but are wary of the task ahead.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Jones.

“We’ll go there with the belief that we can mix it with the Premiership teams.

“Because it’s a quarter-final with a last-four place up for grabs and because it’s a Gwent derby, I think it’s the biggest cup game we’ve had for a number of seasons.

“It’s nice to get a Gwent derby, it adds a bit of spice. With the group of players we have, and with the mentality they have, we’re not worried about going to any ground, we’ve shown that all season.

“Whenever we go away it’s always like a home game because our supporters are fantastic.”

Cross Keys are in good form themselves and could prove to be Pontypool’s toughest challenge this season.

And team manager Mark Prangell believes Keys, who won the cup in 2012, are heading in the right direction after a tough start to the season.

“Because the league is ringfenced, we decided to blood a lot of youngsters into the side and now it’s paying dividends, which we are really proud of,” explained Prangell.

Pontypridd have made the final five times in the past six years, winning three of them, and will be hoping to extend that run this year but Quins, who have enjoyed big wins in this season’s competition, will have something to prove after losing all three of their Tier One games.

Carmarthen can take inspiration from Newport, who, despite losing 34-29 to Pontypridd in the last round, came from 31-3 down to give Ponty a late scare.

Meanwhile, holders Llandovery face a long trip north to face RGC 1404 as they continue the defence of their crown (2.30pm).

The final quarter-final tie sees reigning Principality Premierships champions Ebbw Vale taking on title-challenging Merthyr (2.30pm).