This year’s tournament will see four Welsh clubs, one from each region, compete in the cross-border contest with participation based on the result of two weekends of regional play-offs.
With Aberavon, Bridgend, Llanelli and Cross Keys winners in the first round of fixtures last weekend, the matches for the second round have now been decided. The winners from each of these four ties will make it through to the pool stages.
At the Talbot Athletic Ground, Aberavon will take on Bridgend after both secured wins last weekend. The Ravens defied an almost non-existent amount of ball to claim a last minute 17-15 win over Neath at The Gnoll last Friday.
Ben Rose’s side were trailing 15-10 with just seconds remaining but when the home side were reduced to 14 men, they took advantage. Skipper Ashley James plunged over after some sustained forward pressure and when James Dixon converted, it meant the Ravens were through to the next round of play-offs. They will meet Aberavon, the Wizards having home advantage following their victory over Swansea.
At Sardis Road, defending Principality Premiership champions Pontypridd will host Cardiff to determine the representative from the Blues region while there looks sure to be a feisty local derby between Bedwas and Cross Keys at the Bridge Field.
Keys were comfortable winners over Newport at Pandy Park last Saturday but will have to travel to take on Bedwas who finished fourth in last season’s Principality Premiership, earning a home tie as a result.
The final play-off match is an intriguing meeting between the sides who finished second and third in last year’s Principality Premiership. Llanelli travel to Church Bank to take on regional rivals Llandovery, a repeat of last season’s play-off semi-final. Llanelli were 29-20 winners that day with Anthony Buchanan’s side hoping for a similar result to make sure of a place in the competition proper.
British & Irish Cup fixtures: (Saturday, September 7.) All kick-offs 2.30pm.
Aberavon vs Bridgend
Pontypridd vs Cardiff
Llandovery vs Llanelli
Bedwas vs Cross Keys
