Cardiff won the cup five times in seven years between 1981 and 1987, beating Bridgend in consecutive finals in 1981 and 1982. The Brewery Field club had won the title in 1979 and 1980 and appeared in four straight finals.
The two teams met on the opening day of the Principality Premiership this season, with Cardiff triumphing 52-27, but Bridgend can point to victory the last time the two teams met in a cup competition at the Arms Park, with a 24-12 victory in the British & Irish Cup in 2012.
Tonight’s match is one of three all-Premiership clashes with Llanelli hosting Cross Keys and Newport entertaining Aberavon at Rodney Parade on Sunday.
But the pick of the ties has to be the game at Sardis Road between Cup holders Pontypridd, unbeaten at the top of the Premiership with 11 straight wins against the runaway leaders of the Swalec Championship, Bargoed, who have picked up an amazing 69 out of a possible 70 league points this season in winning 14 games on the trot.
Bargoed skipper Leigh Meades has already led his side to notable cup wins over Aberavon and Bridgend in the past and is eyeing up the biggest scalp of all in Welsh rugby tomorrow to crown his club’s march from the lower reaches of Division 6 13 years ago to the peak of Welsh club rugby.
Pontypool, Narberth and RGC 1404 also have a chance to showcase the quality of the Championship when they travel to Premiership sides Bedwas, Llandovery and Neath respectively. Other games see Blackwood host Llanharan and Tondu entertain Cardiff Met in two all-Championships clashes.
