CUP rugby may not be the top priority for Bedwas as they battle to preserve their Principality Premiership status – but building momentum amidst a relegation dogfight is hugely important.

That’s the opinion of Bridge Field head coach Stefan Sankala ahead of his side’s WRU National Cup quarter-final clash with Cardiff at the Arms Park tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

Bedwas have won three league games on the bounce to haul themselves into the first safe spot in the Premiership table, level on points with Bridgend who they host on April 6.

Llanelli, Cross Keys and Bargoed sit below the Ravens and are currently in position to join relegated Neath in the Championship next season.

As it stands, Bridgend would finish fifth from bottom and face Pontypool, runaway leaders of the Championship, in a play-off at a neutral venue to determine who gets the final top-flight place.

“We had three wins in the league and then a week off, so this weekend is all about building momentum again to take into the Premiership,” said Sankala.

“Even though winning the cup is not our ultimate goal, the boys have a great chance to stake a claim for the jersey for the rest of the season.

“Bridgend are level with us after beating Bargoed and, while they have two games in hand, the league looks like going down to the wire.

“Bridgend have to come to us in the next couple of weeks and all we can do is carry on winning, even if it’s a cup tie like this weekend’s game against Cardiff.

“Playing in the cup gives us a slightly different focus, we haven’t got the pressure of the league on our shoulders and it’s a good opportunity to put a performance in.”

Influential back-rower Nathan Hudd remains sidelined by injury, while dynamic full-back Joe Scrivens also misses the trip to the capital to tackle former Bedwas chief Steve Law’s Cardiff.

“At the end of the day, me and Steve are really competitive and want to get one over on each other, but we also want each other to do well too,” added Sankala.

“I’m hoping they get the results to challenge for the league title and I’d like to think he wants us to stay in the Premiership.

“We may be at different clubs but we’ve still got the utmost respect for each other.”