The East v West clash has thrown up many memorable encounters over the years in the Welsh League and Cup competitions.
The Principality Cup final of 2002 when a Brett Davey inspired Ponty conquered the much fancied Scarlets, and the 2005 Konica Minolta Cup final when Llanelli came back at the death to clinch the honours are two recent stand-out ties.
Ironically it was against Llanelli that Ponty played their last ever home league game as a fully professional side back in 2003 – a hugely poignant occasion. Consequent developments have taken the two clubs on differing paths within the regional set up, but both still holding on to their fiercely proud traditions.
A long and dynamic history stands behind this fixture, but the match to be played at Sardis Road on Saturday (KO 2.30pm) breaks new ground as an all-Wales clash in a fledgling cross border competition – the British & Irish Cup.
The stakes are high, the bragging rights of Welsh club rugby are there for the taking, and for the class of 2011, this Ponty v Llanelli contest is as big as any that has gone before.
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