Preview: Aberavon v Pontypool (Cup)
This Saturday, Aberavon hosts Pontypool at the Talbot Athletic Ground in the first round of the WRU Premiership Cup. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
The complete draw for the first round of the Cup is:
- Aberavon vs. Pontypool
- Bridgend vs. RGC
- Cardiff vs. Newport
- Neath vs. Ebbw Vale
- Pontypridd vs. Merthyr
The victors in these matchups will secure a place in the quarter-finals alongside Carmarthen Quins, Llandovery, and Swansea, who have received byes for the first round.
Pooler won the WRU Cup in the 1982-83 season by defeating Swansea with a score of 18-6. They also reached the final in the 1990-91 season, finishing as runners-up to Llanelli with a score of 9-24. Additionally, they clinched the WRU Championship Cup last season.
Aberavon and Pontypool have crossed paths three times in the WRU Cup. Their first meeting took place in the 1984-85 season with Pooler securing a 25-0 victory at the Talbot Athletic Ground. They faced off once more the following season at Pontypool Park, where the home side claimed a 25-4 win. Their most recent encounter in the competition unfolded during the 1989-90 season when the Wizards won in a quarter-final match, edging out Pontypool with an 18-12 victory at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
Taking charge of this Cup match on Saturday will be the referee, Steff Edwards, with support from Joseph Rees and Greg Morgan in the roles of assistants.