The Keys will face Newport at Pandy Park on Saturday for a Place in Pool Four of the cross-border competition.
Victory however, did not come easy in their 16-13 win over Ebbw Vale. The Premiership new-boys led 10 – 0 after half an hour through wing Owen Williams’ try.
But the Steelmen’s lead was short lived and the hosts responded with two penalties from outside-half Dorian Jones and a try from full-back James Cordy-Redden. The final nail in the coffin for the visitors came when hooker Mathew Williams and prop Gethin Robinson were sent to the bin, resulting in passive scrums for the closing stages as the home side held on.
Despite their 16-13 loss, Ebbw will take confidence from their performance as they return to the Welsh Premiership for the first time in four years. Keys can now look forward to their decisive clash against Newport, who convincingly beat Bedwas 41-25 away from home.
The Black and Ambers saw 10 players making their first appearance but out-scored their hosts six tries to three.
Cardiff travel to Sardis Road to face a Pontypridd team desperate to go one better than last season when they missed out on a place in the final on try-count.
In the west, Llandovery take on Carmarthen Quins after beating Llanelli 28 -15 at home despite trailing 7-8 at the interval. The Drovers bounced back early after the break with an Emyr Phillips try. Llandovery will now journey to Carmarthen Quins with plenty of confidence having also won the National Sevens title in Cardiff last week.
In the Ospreys region, Aberavon travel to the Brewery Field to play Bridgend after completing a comfortable 25-10 win over rivals Neath. Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt believes securing a place in the B&I Cup is essential for the growth of the squad.
He said: “It is an important competition for our younger players to be exposed to, as they need to experience the higher intensity of opposition that the English Championship professional sides bring to the table.”
The winner of Saturday’s game will secure a place in Pool Four of the competition.
