Big No.8 Nathan Strong scored the crucial try as Bridgend sneaked past Llanharan in a hard-fought match at the Dairy Field. Strong scored early in the match and the Ravens held on for a 13-5 win in the only all-Premiership third-round match. Bridgend play Division 3 South-East side Abercwmbai in the fourth round.
Cardiff faced a possible banana skin in the form of Division 3 East side Bargoed, who had won their previous 40 straight League matches, but the Capital side romped home 55-15. Young centre Mick Gill ran in a hat-trick of tries and Cardiff face Division 1 side Bonymaen in the next round after their 55-10 win over Bryncoch.
Pontypridd hooker Ben Phillips, son of Wales team manager and former British Lion Alan Phillips, scored a try in his side’s 33-13 win at Blackwood, while Carmarthen Quins ran in 13 tries in an 81-0 mauling of Tredegar.
Centre Nathan Williams scored two tries as Cross Keys beat Blaina 61-10 at Pandy Park, and play the winners of the Rumney-UWIC match which was called off because of a waterlogged ground and will be played on January 8.
Llanelli ran in seven tries, including two each to wingers Daniel Rogers and Viv Jenkins, as they beat Dunvant 41-7, while centre Richard Payne scored a hat-trick of tries as defending League champions Newport mauled Abercynon 53-7 at Rodney Parade.
Pontypool beat Kidwelly 21-8, despite being held scoreless in a dour second half, while Premiership side Aberavon had to work hard to earn a 14-6 victory at Narberth.
Caerphilly’s miserable League season was given a spark by a 41-23 win over Mumbles, while Swansea were far too good in their 60-0 hammering of Treherbert and they face Division 1 leaders Maesteg in a tough fourth-round match.
Konica Minolta Cup Round 04
Cwmllynfell v Bedwas
Banwen v Newbridge
Neath v Penclawdd
Pontycymmer v Newport
Carmarthen Quins v Pontyberem
Swansea v Maesteg
Bedlinog v Llanelli
Llandovery v Llantwit Fardre
Pontypool v Tonyrefail
Beddau v Caerphilly
Vardre v Aberavon
Whitland v Pontypridd
Carmarthen Athletic v Ebbw Vale
Cross Keys v Rumney or UWIC
Cardiff v Bonymaen
Bridgend v Abercwmboi
