Over the past few seasons they have taken some of the biggest scalps in the Premiership and Swansea went the same way as Cross Keys, Bridgend, Carmarthen Quins, Cardiff and Llanelli in the past three seasons. A brace of tries from captain and former Wales under 20s back-row man Scott Matthews plus a try apiece from Aaron Quick and Martin Luckwell was enough to put them through to the next round.
Merthyr made it back-to-back cup wins over arch-rivals Pontypridd as they powered to a 39-17 win at The Wern as they launched their bid to reach a hat-trick of finals. Even though Dale Stuckey struck with the first try of the game to give Ponty an early lead, the power of Phil Rees and his fellow pack members forced the visitors into submission.
The Ironmen plundered three tries in the first half as they built up a 17-5 interval lead and then new wing Sam Jones added a brace. Hooker Rhys Williams converted a driving line-out into the sixth home try to complete the victory, although Ponty saved some face with a Nathan Huish try at the death.
Championship club Beddau pulled off the shock of the Specsavers National Cup first round as they dumped out three-time former winners Bridgend Ravens 34-21. It was a far cry from last season when the Rhondda club were annihilated 104-0 by Llandovery in this competition at the same stage.
Jordan Goodwin, Tyler Wells and a brace Cameron Ellis won it for the home side, with Hywel Chatham kicking three conversions and two penalties. Callum Wheeler added the other conversion. Tyler Williams scored twice on what was a disappointing day for the Indigo Group Premiership Ravens with Jordan Collier also dotting down. Jamie Murphy kicked the conversions.
The big winners of the round were Bedwas, who ran riot 78-5 at Championship counterparts Tata Steel. Stefan Sankala’s side ran in 12 tries with Matt Bancroft and Owain Keane both at the double. Josh Dunleavy, Liam Jenkins, Owen Jones, Dale Rogers, Rhys Morgan, Gareth Allen, Bradley Williams and Liam Jenkins also had their scoring boots on.
Dion McIntosh kicked six conversions with Brad Williams slotting over three. It was also a comfortable afternoon for Cardiff Met in another all-Championship clash with Ystrad Rhondda, running out eventual winners 62-14.
Meanwhile record 14-time former winners Llanelli are also into round two after overcoming Maesteg Quins 33-13. Tadhg McGuckin scored two tries as well as booting three penalties and a conversion.
Rhydian Williams and Nathan Hart also scored with Tom Williams adding the other conversion. Lee Ronan scored for the Quins with Matt Harris adding the rest from the tee.
David Griggs bagged himself a brace as Neath, the first ever cup winners back in 1972, saw off Trebanos 24-0 at the Gnoll. Rhys Morgan also went over in the first half, with Luke Griffiths adding two conversions as they led 19-0 at half time. Macauley Griffiths then scored an unconverted try after the break.
Llandovery, winners in 2007 and 2016, beat Ystalyfera 42-0. Joe Powell, Aaron Warren, Dino Dallavalle and Alun Rees crossed in the first half, all converted by Jack Maynard for a 28-0 lead.
Scott Maynard and Kristian Jones added tries after the break, again converted. Aberavon will also be in the draw for round two after beating Bargoed 26-7 at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
The Wizards were 19-7 up at half time thanks to tries from Aled Rees, Will Price and Aled Thomas – who also added two conversions. Rhys Buckley replied for Bargoed, converted by Steffan Jones.
The only score in the second half was scored by Aberavon’s Lloyd Evans, with Thomas again taking care of the extras. Cross Keys earnt a dramatic last gasp victory over Glamorgan Wanderers with try from Ian Newbury and a conversion from new signing Kieran Hill sealing the deal.
