That is after both came through their respective Premiership Cup semi-finals. The Valley Commandos ran in nine tries in a 53-14 demolition of Newbridge at The Gnoll in Neath to reach the final, while Keys defeated Merthyr at Bargoed Park in dramatic fashion 36-31 after extra-time.
Keys and Ponty met in the final of the WRU Challenge Cup in 2012 and 2014 and have one win apiece.
“It’s been a long time coming, the fans deserve this more than anyone,” said Ponty player coach Kristian Parker after their win over Newbridge.
“They’ve stuck with us through thick and thin and it was all about them today and hopefully bringing those glory days back to Ponty.”
Second row Parker was among the Ponty try scorers with full-back Dale Stuckey and wing Joe Davies both touching down twice. Stuart Floyd-Ellis, Jaydan Pugh, Garyn Smith and Ioan Evans also scored, while Pugh kicked three conversions and Evans one.
Joel Gilbert and Geraint Evans scored consolation tries for Newbridge, both converted by Robbie Turley.
“I take my hat off to Newbridge, who stayed in that contest for 80 minutes and they did throw everything to us – so big credit to them,” added Parker.
“But the boys came out all guns blazing, that first 40 I think we really set a tone and showed the Ponty DNA of playing with speed, tempo, intent and aggression – and that’s what we need to see now for the rest of the season.”
There was a tense finish in the other semi between Cross Keys and Merthyr, which needed an additional 20 minutes to separate the sides.
Replacement hooker Connah Hughes – on to make his 100th appearance for Keys and with his side trailing 26-19 – scored two minutes from the end of normal time with Rhys Jones converting to make it 26-26. With both sides having scored four tries, extra-time was needed.
Then a Ralph Miller try along with a conversion and a penalty from Adam Tetley snatched a stunning triumph for the Gwent side – who had earlier recovered from a 14-point deficit and then trailed twice in the second half of normal time.
Captain Corey Nicholls, Ben Roberts and Tom Sullivan were Keys’ other scorers with Rhys Jones kicking two conversions.
Adam Hoskins scored twice for Merthyr, including one in extra-time, with Ellis Shipp, Daf Land and Ben Jones also dotting down for the Ironmen. Ben Jones added three conversions.
There were also three Premiership fixtures played, with Llangennech racking up 10 tries in a crushing 64-7 defeat of bottom club Newcastle Emlyn.
Callum Woolley, Callum Jenkins and Louis Rees all scored twice alongside sole efforts from Steff Marshall, Kalum Evans, Jordan Saunders and Willis Wood. Marshall added seven conversions.
Second bottom Narberth went down 39-33 at Cardiff Met. Full-back Josh Carrington scored twice, with Ioan Evans, Toby Clinch and Tom Howlett also going over for the Archers. Ross McKay kicked 14 points.
Despite defeat the two bonus points earned moved the Otters level on points with Bonymaen and safety in 11th. Will Blackburn, Lewys Gibby, Hedd Nicholas and Llew Jones scored for Narberth. Jonathan Rogers kicked two conversions and three penalties.
No 8 Rheims Handford and wing Morgan Powell were both at the double to help steer Bargoed to victory 42-26 at Brecon.
