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Regional clubs learn National Cup fate

8th January 2019


Cardiff, Merthyr, Pontypridd and Cardiff Met have learnt their opponents for the second round of the WRU National Cup.

The draw was made on Tuesday, with Merthyr, Pontypridd and Cardiff Met being drawn at home, while Cardiff will be on the road.

Merthyr v Ebbw Vale

Jay Baker inspired Merthyr to a narrow victory over his former club, Aberavon, in the opening round on Saturday.

The former Ospreys wing created scores for team-mates Lewis Williams and Matthew Jarvis, as the hosts came away with a 15-10 victory at Talbot Athletic Ground.

The Ironmen's reward will be a home tie against Greg Woods' Ebbw Vale, who scrapped past Carmarthen Quins on Saturday thanks to an impressive performance from Lewis Young.

RGC 1404 v Cardiff

Cardiff RFC and Tata Steel served up a classic at Port Talbot last weekend, with a total of 18 tries and 116 points scored between the sides.

It was the Blue and Blacks who booked their place in the next round, as they claimed 11 of the tries, as Will Rees-Hole and Ed Howley helped themselves to a brace of scores each.

The duo were joined on the scoresheet by Tom Williams, Callun James, Keiron Brown, Adam Jones, Steffan Jones, Tom Daley and Joey Tomlinson.

The Championship side certainly gave it their all, chipping in with seven tries to make it 43-73 at full time.

Steve Law's side face a tough task in round two, with a trip to Colwyn Bay to take on RGC 1404.

The North Wales-outfit brushed off a stern challenge from Newport at Cardiff Arms Park in round one, with Efan Jones, Harri Evans, Tom Hughes and Iolo Evans dotting down for Mark Jones' side.

Pontypridd v Llanelli

There was no chance of a giant-killing at Bedlinog in the opening round, as Pontypridd put in a professional performance to ensure a 50-3 win over the Championship outfit.

While the Foxes did take an early lead through a long range from Cardiff Blues Community Foundation's Dan Parry, penalty, Justin Burnell's side fought back to score a half century of answered points.

Geraint Clarke and Alex Webber went over for two of their side's seven tries, with other scores coming from Rhys Shellard, Dai Francis and Gabriel Davies, brother of Cardiff Blues star, Seb.

In the second round, Pontypridd will welcome Llanelli to Sardis Road, after the west Wales outfit were made to work hard for a win at Ystrad Rhondda.

Ystrad were in the lead after 50 minutes, but Scarlets academi star, Tomi Rogers, ultimately inspired his side to a win.

Cardiff Met v Bedwas

It was an exciting draw for Cardiff Met, as they are set to welcome Premiership side, Bedwas, to Cyncoed.

The Archers were given a bye for the opening round, while their upcoming opponents had to overcome the challenge of Rhydyfelin.

The games will be held on the weekend of 26 January.

WRU NATIONAL CUP - Round 1
Aberavon 10 - 15 Merthyr
Bedlinog 3 - 50 Pontypridd
Carmarthen Quins 19 - 20 Ebbw Vale
Llandovery 104 - 0 Beddau
Newcastle Emlyn 21 - 36 Bargoed
Newport 17 - 35 RGC 1404
Pontypool walk /over v Neath
Rhydyfelin 8 - 24 Bedwas
Swansea 27 - 10 Narberth
Tata Steel 43 - 73 Cardiff
Trebanos 34 - 5 Maesteg Quins
Ystrad Rhondda 18 - 32 Llanelli

Byes: Bridgend, Cardiff Met, Cross Keys, Newbridge

WRU National Cup - Round 2
Matches to be played on weekend of 26 January
Cardiff Met v Bedwas
Cross Keys v Pontypool
Llandovery v Trebanos
Merthyr v Ebbw Vale
Newbridge v Bridgend
Pontypridd v Llanelli
RGC1404 v Cardiff
Swansea v Bargoed