Last season’s beaten finalists Ystrad Rhondda are now just one win away from a return to the Principality Stadium after beating Cardiff Met 26-15 at Gelligaled Park to reach another WRU Championship Cup semi-final.
Wing Iestyn Griffiths touched down twice to keep Ystrad on the ‘Road to Principality 2024’ with other tries coming from centre Cole Morgan and replacement Callum Davies. Also on the scoresheet for Ystrad Rhondda, who were 7-0 up at the turnaround. Rhys Truelove kicked three conversions.
Olly James and Zak Roberts got the two Met tries in the second half with Sam Berry kicking a conversion and a penalty. For Admiral Championship East leaders Ystrad it also meant they were able to put one over a Met side who have beaten them twice in the league this season.
The 19-15 home win for Met just seven days before this cup clash had followed up on a 39-32 triumph on their last visit to Gelligaled Park back in October. Ystrad are aiming to go one better having lost last season’s cup showpiece 28-16 against double winning ‘Invincibles’ Pontypool.
Joining them in the hat for the last four are Bedwas, who got through after winning their last eight tie 36-17 against Brecon at the Bridgefield.
Hooker Lewis Crane and outside centre Adam Williams both bagged themselves a try brace for five-star Wass who also had prop Rhys Hutcherson on the scoresheet. James Dixon added four conversions and a penalty.
Brecon scored all of their points in the first half with Bedwas leading 21-17 at half time. Sam Jones and Osian Davies scored the Brecon tries, both converted by Dion McIntosh who also landed a penalty.
Championship West leaders Narberth had already taken their place in the semis after being handed a walkover against Dunvant – who were unable to raise a side. Meanwhile, a frozen pitch forced the postponement of Bargoed’s quarter-final against Llangennech, with the tie now set to be rearranged for next Saturday, 27 January.
There were three league games played. In Championship West, Newcastle Emlyn made it four straight wins as they defeated Crymych 27-24. Ystalyfera moved out of the bottom two after winning 36-24 at Tata Steel.
Ammanford against Bonymaen and Maesteg Quins verses Trebanos were postponed, as were the Championship East matches between Newbridge and Penallta and Treorchy and Rumney.
Beddau won for the fourth time in five in the East division, seeing off Glamorgan Wanderers 14-7.
A penalty try handed Beddau a 7-0 advantage before Callum Wheeler raced in for a try, converted by Callaghan Smith to secure victory – after Chedd Davies’ try converted by Ceri Morris, had pulled the Wanderers level.
