EBBW Vale’s recent renaissance will be put to the test in the first round of the National Cup, while Cross Keys bid for revenge, Pontypool look to get another memorable run going and Gwent’s other sides strive to make the last 16.

The Steelmen have won two on the spin since the departure of former chief Lee Davies – they put 30 and 40 points on Bedwas and Llanelli respectively – but are likely to face a much tougher test tomorrow in the shape of cup holders RGC 1404.

The North Walians head to Eugene Cross Park in scintillating form, having topped the Principality Premiership’s western conference and then trounced Bridgend following the merging of the league last Saturday.

Greg Woods, who led Cross Keys to cup final glory at the Millennium Stadium in 2012, takes over as Ebbw’s new head coach after tomorrow’s tie.

Woods took Keys to the semi-finals of last season’s cup – a regular occurrence for the Pandy Park side during his reign – where they lost to Pontypridd at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

All hope of a third final appearance seemed lost when Keys trailed 39-16 midway through the second half.

But three tries in a remarkable four-minute spell gave them hope of completing a stunning comeback.

They had chances to go in front but Ceri Sweeney slotted a penalty with virtually the final kick of the game to secure a 42-37 victory for the men from Sardis Road, who would go on to lose in the final.

And wouldn’t you know it, it’s Keys against Pontypridd again tomorrow, this time at Pandy Park.

The teams only met there in the league on December 1, with Pontypridd coming out on top in a 16-7 win – the Valley Commandos also beat Keys at home in September.

Pontypool hit the headlines last season for their giant-killing cup exploits against Llanelli and Cardiff in rounds one and two.

Championship Pooler were worthy winners in each tie, both of which were away from home.

Their memorable successes at Parc y Scarlets and Cardiff Arms Park not only saw them progress to the last eight but also went a long way to showing the Premiership what they were made of.

Even though they went on to win the Championship title comfortably, as they look like doing this term, the WRU’s ring-fencing of the top flight meant no promotion.

They have home advantage tomorrow when league rivals Tata Steel visit Pontypool Park, although there were only two points between the sides back in October.

Meanwhile, Newport and Swansea clash in a repeat of their first round meeting at Rodney Parade last season.

The Black and Ambers emerged victorious on that occasion but Craig Warlow’s men will have to win on All Whites soil tomorrow if they want to make the hat for round two.

There is an all-Championship tussle for Newbridge as they go to struggling Rhydyfelin, who beat them 17-0 last autumn.

However, Newbridge then went on to win four of their next six and are now handily placed in fifth.

Elsewhere, Bedwas know they will have to remain focused to avoid an upset at Championship Narberth, who sit second behind Pontypool in the table, while Bargoed host Trebanos.

All matches kick-off at 2.30pm.

Fixtures, Saturday: Aberavon v Skewen, Bargoed v Trebanos, Cross Keys v Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale v RGC 1404, Glynneath v Bridgend, Narberth v Bedwas, Neath v Cardiff, Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr, Pontypool v Tata Steel, Rhydyfelin v Newbridge, Swansea v Newport.

Sunday: Cardiff Met v Llanelli.