The Division One West club made it to Round 3 in 2010/11 with victories over Ystrad Rhondda and Bonymaen before going down 33-19 to the might of Premier outfit, and eventual runners-up, Aberavon at Roseland Road.
Beddau, of Division One East, gave Cardiff a fright last year before going down 35-27 and are sure to provide tough opposition on their own Mount Pleasant Park. Only 12 of the 24 clubs in the two sections of the First Division, East and West, feature in the Round 1 draw with the remainder receiving byes to Round 2.
Two byes helped Blackwood make it to Round 3 last year where they were heavily defeated by Newport at Rodney Parade, but they have to battle away from round one this time. A meeting with fellow One East side Bargoed should provide for an exciting tussle.
Neither Gilfach Goch nor Newbridge made any progress last season but after doing the double over Newbridge in the league, Gilfach Goch will be favourites for a place in round two.
Narberth were beaten by Llanharan 20-19 in Round 1 last season and the Otters will be looking to improve on that this term. The One West side host Treorchy from One East at the Lewis Lloyd Ground determined to take their place in the next round.
Merthyr made it all the way to round four last term thanks to victories over Newbridge and Glamorgan Wanderers before their progress was halted when Pontypridd visited The Wern. They will be looking for another good cup run this year after being drawn to travel to Tondu to take on the Waterwheelers at Pandy Park. Tondu were promoted from Two West last season so it will be a good test for them.
One West sides Whitland and Carmarthen Athletic clash at Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn with neither club making any mark in last year’s competition. Both sides won their home league matches last season so Whitland could be slight favourites to make it to the next stage.
SWALEC Cup
First Round
Ties to be played weekend of 10 December
Bargoed v Blackwood
Beddau v Waunarlwydd
Gilfach Goch v Newbridge
Narberth v Treorchy
Tondu v Merthyr
Whitland v Carmarthen Athletic
