Cup returns with heavyweight clash

Llanelli, the knock out kings of Welsh rugby, will hope to go one step closer to a nineteenth appearance in the final when they take on Newport. The Stradey Park outfit have appeared in over half of the previous thirty-five finals; lifting the title thirteen times. Saturday sees a repeat billing of the 2003 final where Llanelli defeated Newport 32-9.

“This tie is the big one of the round though Neath and Cardiff may well beg to differ,” said Gren Cole, the Llanelli General Manager. “We made no secret that we were targeting the Konica Minolta Cup from the start of the season, as it takes just five matches to win the trophy. We are totally focused on the tournament and ready to really go for it against Newport.

“We are recognised as the Cup kings and we are confident we can go to Rodney Parade and get the result. Both of us had good wins in Round 5 and it should be a great match.”

Newport Coach Ian Hembrow said: “They are the Cup kings and this draw gives us the opportunity to put things right after they beat us comfortably at Stradey Park earlier this season; we certainly have a point to prove.”

Meanwhile, defending Champions, Pontypridd, continue their defence of the title with a home clash against Maesteg after the Principality Premiership side beat ASDA League One East high-flyers Newbridge 25-0 at the Welfare Ground in their first game in Round 5.

“Maesteg are a tough side,” said Pontypridd Coach Simon King. “All three of the recent matches we have had against them have been hard and competitive. I am sure they are looking forward to coming to Sardis Road.”

ASDA League Three South East’s St Peters have to travel to Bridgend in their bid to qualify for the quarter-finals. Fourteen years ago St Peters pulled off the biggest giant killing act in the history of the tournament when they beat Cardiff at the Arms Park.

Coach Chris Churcher welcomed their tie against Bridgend as ‘an excellent draw’ and stated: “They are a very young side but don’t fear anyone and, although a lot of them will never have played against a team of this level, we are already looking forward to the match.”

Cardiff are also on the road travelling to Neath, the 2006 beaten finalists and 2004 Konica Minolta Cup winners. Cardiff Director of Coaching Justin Burnell declared: “It is a tough ask to go down there but then there are no easy games at this stage of the tournament and we will give it our best shot.”

Konica Minolta Cup – Round 6
Ebbw Vale v Swansea
Pontypridd v Maesteg
Llandovery v Caerphilly
Newport v Llanelli
Neath v Cardiff
Bridgend v St Peters
Glamorgan Wanderers v Bedwas
Cross Keys v Aberavon