PONTYPOOL will travel to face Principality Premiership champions Merthyr in the quarter-finals of the WRU National Cup, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler enjoyed a 23-8 home triumph against Carmarthen last weekend, adding the Quins to the scalps of Llanelli and Cardiff that the Championship champions claimed last year.

Now they face their toughest test with a trip to the Wern to take on the top flight’s strongest team.

Cross Keys beat spirited Bedlinog 41-7 at Pandy Park and enjoy home advantage again versus Llandovery. Newport had a fine victory against Aberavon at Rodney Parade last round and their reward is a trip to the winners of the Bedwas versus Beddau tie, which was postponed last Saturday.

Ebbw Vale’s game at Bridgend also fell victim to the weather and if the Steelmen triumph at the Brewery Field then they will make the trip to Bargoed, who beat Rhydyfelin 40-0.

Ties will be played on the weekend of March 3.