EBBW Vale have achieved some great things since their last meeting with Beddau – but Steelmen skipper Damien Hudd knows tomorrow’s clash between the teams won’t be as easy as the one three years ago.

Hudd’s men thrashed the Championship outfit 71-13 at Eugene Cross Park in the first round of the Swalec Cup in January 2014.

Ebbw captured the Championship title at the end of that season, were beaten Premiership grand finalists the following campaign, and then lifted the top prize last term.

The Steelmen also won on their previous visit to Mount Pleasant Park in May 2013, although the result was a lot closer than that cup encounter eight months later would prove to be.

And Ebbw captain Hudd is aware that it will be no stroll in the park for the Gwent side tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) when Beddau host the Steelmen in the second round of the WRU National Cup.

“We played Beddau a few times when we were in the Championship and our forwards coach (Lee Davies) used to coach there so knows them really well,” he said.

“They are a decent side and are at home with a lot of support behind them, so it’s going to be tough for us.

“All cup games are potential banana skins and we’ve been in Beddau’s position when we were the underdogs, so we know exactly where they will be coming from.”

Ebbw secured a crucial league win over Aberavon last Friday as they bid to successfully defend their Premiership trophy.

They have picked up a few bumps and bruises in the last few weeks but Hudd isn’t too concerned.

“We’ve got a couple of niggles but it’s a good opportunity to give other players rugby and see what strength the squad has,” he added.

Beddau have only lost twice at home in the Championship this season, to Pontypool and Tata Steel, and are fourth in the table.