Pontypool RFC v Bridgend Ravens RFC

Pontypool take a break from league rugby on Saturday when they welcome Premiership outfit Bridgend to Pontypool Park for a quarter-final tie in the WRU National Cup. Pooler have been knocked out at this stage for the past two seasons so will be looking to go one better.

Last season Merthyr were too strong in the tie at The Wern and two seasons ago Cross Keys got the better of Pooler at Pandy Park. However the tables were turned this season when Pontypool deservedly triumphed at Cross Keys 12-9 in the last round. Pontypool and Bridgend have met four times in the cup competition with the score level at two wins each.

Bridgend won the first meeting at the Brewery Field on 23 February 1980 by 27-6 but Pooler hit back with a semi-final success at the Talbot Athletic Ground on 26 March 1983 with a 19-3 victory. Pontypool went on to win the cup for the first and, so far, only time when they overcame Swansea 18-6 at the National Stadium on 30 April 1983.

The clubs were drawn together the following season at Pontypool Park on 28 January 1984 with Pooler shading it 18-16. Then in the last meeting of these two famous clubs, Bridgend won 19-8 once again at Pontypool Park on 19 February 2005 with a certain Nigel Owens as referee.

Pontypool replacements: Jamie Jeune, Alex Watkins, Craig Price, Brendan Lampitt, Mike Herbert, Martin Luckwell, Matthew Lewis and Clayton Gullis.