SWALEC Championship outfit Ebbw Vale have been rewarded for their shock 16-11 victory over Cardiff with a home tie in the quarter-finals of the SWALEC Cup.
Vale wing Polu Uhi crossed for the game’s only try at the Arms Park and the kicking of Josh Lewis secured the Steelmen their place in the next round and a visit from Pontypridd.
Ponty were far too strong for Championship side Tata Steel, winning 43-6, and the 2011 Cup winners will be confident of making further progress when they travel to Eugene Cross Park.
Ebbw Vale will be joined in the quarter-finals by two other Championship sides after a Lee Meads try and a penalty try helped Bargoed to a 17-13 win over Bridgend and Blackwood saw off fellow-Championship opposition, Glamorgan Wanderers, with a four-try salvo in a 32-18 success.
Bargoed face a difficult trip to six-times winners Neath, while Blackwood host Carmarthen Quins who were the 2010 finalists.
The Welsh All Blacks defeated holders Cross Keys 19-12 to reach the quarter-final stage but Keys put on a remarkable performance after being reduced to 14 men for most of the second half.
Two late penalties from full back Jack Maynard won the day for Carmarthen Quins who edged out Bedwas 23-21 to reach the quarter-final.
The final tie will be between three-times winners Swansea and Aberavon who were finalists way back in 1974 and 1975 but have yet to lift the trophy.
Swansea knocked Newport out of the cup at Rodney Parade, winning 17-14 thanks to a last minute penalty goal from Cameron Clement, while Aberavon touched down five times in beating Beddau 44-6.
SWALEC Cup quarter-finals, to be played the weekend of March 23
Blackwood v Carmarthen Quins
Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd
Neath v Bargoed
Swansea v Aberavon
Well Vale, win the next round and I'd say the cup is almost certainly yours for the taking. Good luck.