The Bulls led the game for large periods but two late tries from the visitors stole the victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a strong start for the hosts who opened the scoring through Rhys Jones after a strong drive, capitalizing on Mike Herbert’s yellow card.
Pooler found themselves under further pressure as they were reduced to thirteen men as Huw Andersson saw yellow for his role in Bargoed’s penalty try.
Back up to 14 men, the visitors got themselves on the scoreboard through Callum Davies. Anderson made amends for his earlier yellow by scoring in the corner just before the break.
Steffan Jones edged Bargoed back into the lead with two penalties either side of half time. Pontypool fly half Matthew Jarvis kept his side in the game with two cool penalties himself. Before Peter Lloyd added a third try for the visitors.
Jervis opted for the corner, and it proved to be the correct call as Scott Matthews found his way over for a crucial try. Jones set up a thrilling finale kicking a simple penalty for the hosts, but it was Pooler who held on to book a semi final spot.
Neath are the reigning Championship Cup winners and kept their name in the pot by beating Trebanos 26-3 at home.
Joshua Clark opened the scoring for the hosts from close range before a Jack Powell try converted by Steff Williams gave Neath a 12-3 lead at the break. While Willis Wood scored the only points from the tee for the visitors.
Ellis Hopkins scored soon after the break before replacement Sion Crocker added a fourth try from the back of a rolling maul. Trebanos pushed towards the end but Neath eased into the next round with another clinical victory.
Elsewhere in the cup Ystrad Rhondda produced a superb second half comeback to beat Bedwas 15-12.
Meanwhile in the Championship, Cardiff Met continued their excellent league form by demolishing Ystalyfera 69-5 to make it three wins in their last four games. The Archers scored 10 tries in all, including four tries apiece from winger Toby Baldwin and hooker Tom Cotton.
Haydn Lidstone added eight conversions and a penalty helping the students to go level on points with Narberth.
The Otters scored eight tries as they cantered to a 51-28 win against Glamorgan Wanderers. And Maesteg Harlequins moved up to ninth with a 26-5 victory over bottom side Tata Steel.
