But having already been beaten at home four times in the league, Merthyr will be fully aware that Ponty will be tough opponents particularly as the Sardis Road side ran in four tries in their round three victory over Neath.
Tonmawr have reached this stage the hard way with 31-8 home victories over holders Llanelli and Pontypool. Four tries at the Whitworth Ground all converted by Luke Richards were too much for Pooler and the Premier new boys have been rewarded with the visit of Llandovery in the quarter-final.
The Drovers just edged out Carmarthen Quins 20-19 thanks to a late Cerith Rees penalty but having lost 31-7 at Tonmawr in the league earlier in the season, it will take a mighty effort for them to make it to the last four.
Cardiff overturned a half time deficit to defeat SWALEC One West’s Bridgend at the Arms Park and they will meet an Aberavon side that won 33-19 at Waunarlwydd. The Wizards were beaten finalists back in 1974 and 1975 while Cardiff have won the trophy on seven occasions but Aberavon have beaten the Blue and Blacks twice in the league this season and will travel to the capital full of confidence.
The final quarter final will take place at St Helen’s where Swansea will entertain Newport. The All Whites defeated Bedwas 32-14 with James Dixon collecting 17 points while the Black and Ambers routed Blackwood 69-17 crossing the visitors try line nine times. Swansea won both league meetings this season and will start as favourites to make further progress.
SWALEC Cup quarter-final draw
(ties to take place the weekend of 26th March)
Cardiff v Aberavon
Merthyr v Pontypridd
Swansea v Newport
Tonmawr v Llandovery
