THE TOP two of the Principality Premiership will clash in round two of the Swalec Cup when Ebbw Vale host Pontypridd, write Chris Kirwan.

The pair will play a repeat of the fixture from 2013 when Dai Flanagan’s last-gasp conversion of Chris Dicomidis’ score denied the Steelmen, who were then in the Championship, a famous scalp.

Ebbw had a bye in the first round while Ponty emerged victorious from a tough game with Bargoed 41-13. The holders triumphed 27-19 in the league fixture between the sides in Gwent in November.

Cross Keys’ reward for a superb 52-24 win at Llanelli is a tricky trip to north Wales to face RGC 1404, who stunned Neath 32-26 at the Gnoll on Saturday.

Keys have made the final in two of the last three years and will need to be on top of their game to avoid a banana skin at Parc Eirias.

Newport will be eyeing the quarters for the first time since 2011 after being drawn away to Tata Steel, who are currently fifth in the Championship.

The Black and Ambers are bottom of the Premiership but showed oodles of spirit to edge past Aberavon 11-10 on Saturday and a cup run would do them the power of good.

Bedwas and Pontypool are yet to play their round one tie after the Bridge Field clubhouse was damaged in high winds.

They have agreed to meet on Wednesday, February 4 and the reward will be a home tie against the students of Cardiff Met.

Newbridge enjoyed a round one bye but have been handed a tough tie against their Championship rivals Merthyr, who triumphed 15-9 when the sides met at the Welfare Ground in November.

Carmarthen Quins host Bridgend Athletic, either Cardiff or Bridgend will head to Llanharan and Llandovery will welcome Swansea to Church Bank.

Swalec Cup, round two

  • RGC 1404 v Cross Keys
  • Bedwas/Pontypool v Cardiff Met
  • Tata Steel v Newport
  • Carmarthen Quins v Bridgend Athletic
  • Llandovery v Swansea
  • Llanharan v Cardiff/Bridgend
  • Merthyr v Newbridge
  • Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd

(fixtures to be played on February 21)