BEN Parry is relishing the prospect of returning to former club Cross Keys this weekend, as he looks to lead giantkillers Pontypool into the semi-finals of the WRU National Cup.

Championship frontrunners Pontypool head for Pandy Park tomorrow (kick-off 2.45pm) bidding to claim a third Principality Premiership scalp in this season’s competition.

Pooler hooker Parry has already captained his charges to famous victories at Llanelli and Cardiff in the first two rounds, and one more success would put them within touching distance of a place in the final.

The Pontypool faithful will once again travel in numbers to support their team, with the club giving 120 fans free transport to the eagerly-anticipated all-Gwent last-eight encounter.

“This will be the first time I’ve been back to Keys to play since I left three seasons ago, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Parry.

“Keys treated me really well when I was there and it’s a good club to be at, and they have a lot of local boys in their squad which is good for Gwent.

“It’s a Gwent derby and both clubs are going to be excited about the occasion – that in itself is motivation to win the game.

“Keys are a very good side so to beat someone like them would be a massive boost for us and the club.

“This game has been the talk of the town since the draw was made and the players want to do everyone proud.”

Parry is well aware just how important a role Pooler’s supporters have played so far in their cup run – and the skipper is expecting more of the same in front of the live television cameras at Pandy Park.

“Our supporters have been great this season – every season really,” he added. “Wherever we go the following is excellent.

“They have really bought into the cup this season and have been the 16th man for us.

“There has also been a lot of hard work and dedication from the boys, we really play for each other.

“When you put the shirt on you want to do the club proud and keep it for as long as you can.

“With the strength we have in the squad you know that if you’re not up for it then you will end up on the bench and someone else will have the jersey.”

Keys have made an excellent start to life in tier two of the Premiership since the split in the league at the turn of the year.

The Premiership is exactly where Pooler want to be, but the top division is ring-fenced until the end of the 2018/19 season.

However, Parry hopes Welsh rugby’s bigwigs could reconsider that given his side’s performances against the likes of Llanelli and Cardiff.

“We think we should be in the Premiership and have proved that in the last two cup games,” said Parry. “And if we beat Keys then it will be another Premiership team we’ve beaten.

“Maybe they (Welsh Rugby Union) will have another look at it (ring-fencing) after what we’ve done this season."