“However, we have a few injuries and have not played for three weeks, which is bad for us as we are slow starters. But, coach Mark Harris, who has not played since November, is back and we have spledid players, such as Anthony Thomas at flankler and Geraint Roach at No 8.”
Banwen were deeply impressed when they watched Bedwas win at Llanharan recently, before settling for a plan of action. “We would like to go into the quarter-final draw,” added Parfitt. “Hopefully there will be a good crowd and there is plenty of room for them.”
It is the first meeting of the clubs and Bedwas go into this game having lost 22-8 at Caerphilly on Wednesday evening.
Beddau fron Division One and Llantwit Fardre from Two East are only yards apart, yet they have never previously met in a cup-tie. For this derby game, Beddau will be without player-coach Brett Davey, who has chipped a bone in his shoulder and is likely to be out for around six weeks. Club chairman Lyn West said: “It is a blow, but we have a good fit young side and probably the fly half spot will go to Owen Thomas. We picked from the squad on Tuesday and still ran in nine tries against Brynmawr.”
Aberavon and Neath is also a derby game, but one that Aberavon has never won, having gone down in all three cup meetings. Neath hold a 2-0 advantage from league and friendly play this season and are the holders of the trophy, having won for the fourth time last May when defeating Caerphilly. It will be a big game for Aberavon fotrwards coach Mark Jones, as the former Union and League cap was in Neath’s cup-winning side last season. Aberavon have won 86 ties and lost 33, while Neath have won 101 and lost 29. In previous meetings, they won 27-20 (away 82/83), 12-3 (semi-final, 83/4) and 17-6 (away 99/00).
Carmarthen Quins face Cardiff for the first-ever time in cup play, but the Blue and Blacks have won the cup on seven occasions and all together they have won 118 ties and lost only 26.
Twice-winners Newport have an 86-31 record, but face a Glamorgan Wanderers club, who came to Rodney Parade in 1991/92 and almost pulled off a huge surprise. In a mudbath, they sides drew 10-all, but Newport took it on try-count.
Pontypool, who have one cup success, will not be favourites to beat Bridgend, but nevertheless the trip to Pontypool Park would not have been wanted by many clubs. Pooler have won 82 and lost 32 ties, while Bridgend, now unbeaten in their last 1 outings, have twice been cup winners and go for their 100th success, having lost 31times. In previous meetings, Pontypool won 16-3 (semi-final 82/83) and by 18-16 (home 83/84).
Pontypridd, who may be near to playing their last tie at Sardis Road, have been twice cup winners and have a 85-31 record as they receive Cross Keys. It is a return for Keys coach Nicky Lloyd, who played for Ponty as a scrum half, while Ponty coach Simon King was on the Keys coaching staff last season. Keys have a 60-33 record, but Ponty have won both previous cup meetings, by 38-0 (away 88/89) and 49-16 (away 02/03).
Swansea and Llanelli will produce their ninth cup derby with Llanelli leading by 6-2, including both meetrings at St Helen’s. Swansea, final winners on three occasions have a 111-30 record, while Llanelli, with12 final victories, have won an astonishing 140 ties and lost only 21. Swansea wins were by 20-15 (away 82/83) and 37-10 (final 98/99). Llanelli won 15-11 (away quarter-final 71/72); 16-4 (final 75/76); 4-3 (away quarter-final 78/79); 16-7 (final 91/92) and 29-18 (semi-final 92/93); 22-12 (final 99/00).
