Cross Keys v Pontypridd – Cup Final Matchday Preview

Next up for Pontypridd RFC is the Welsh Cup final against Cross Keys RFC at the Principality Stadium this Saturday 5th April. Kick-off is 5:35pm and the match will be shown live on S4C.

The Welsh Cup, Challenge Cup or Premiership Cup as its been known under different guises over the decades is still Wales’ premier knockout cup competition which dates all the way back to 1972. The Welsh Cup is steeped in history and tradition and Pontypridd are proud to have played in no fewer than thirteen finals whilst lifting the famous old trophy six times over the years.

The Valley Commandos’ last Welsh Cup win came in 2014 when the team triumphed by 21 points to 8 over this week’s opponents Cross Keys. Simon Humberstone produced a superb performance that day kicking two penalties, a conversion and a drop goal to accompany tries by Craig Locke and Gavin Dacey. Ponty have appeared in two finals since then suffering the heartache of losing by just four points in both against Bridgend in 2015 and RGC in 2017. This Saturday’s major showpiece final presents a chance for Pontypridd to claim their first major piece of silverware since 2016 when the team beat Bedwas to lift the Foster’s Challenge Cup.

 

The Road To The 2025 Final…

Pontypridd have played one less match than the Pandy Park men to get to the final stage after receiving a ‘bye’ in the first round. The Valley Commandos then travelled to Bargoed Park at the quarter-final stage and it was a nail-biter! The lead changed hands numerous times throughout match and Bargoed thought they had done enough to progress. But Ponty were awarded a penalty with the last play of the tie and Jacob Symes held his nerve to kick his team to a 29-28 win. Pontypridd then played Newbridge in the semi-finals at The Gnoll, and there was no last-minute nerves on this occasion as the team claimed a superb win by 53 points to 14.

The Keys’ path to the final includes beating Llangennech at home by 47 points to 11 in the first round, before triumphing 52-28 away against Narberth in the quarter finals. They were then drawn against Merthyr at the semi-final stage and won by 36 points to 31 after extra time in a cup classic at Bargoed Park.

So there we go, it’s now just five days until our first visit to The Principality Stadium for eight years – it’s great to be back!

SUPPORTERS TRAVEL AND PAYMENT INFORMATION –

The Ponty Supporters have have already sold out multiple coaches to transport fans to Cardiff for Saturday’s match, but they are still taking bookings – don’t delay please contact Phil Lycett as soon as possible on 01443 662561. Here’s our updated article regarding both the travel arrangements and how supporters can pay for their seat – Supporters Buses to the Cup Final – *important booking and payment information*

TICKETS –

You can buy your tickets for the final direct from the Welsh Rugby Union here – https://www.eticketing.co.uk/principalitystadium/Events?preFilter=53&preFilterName=NATIONAL%20FINALS%20DAY%202025  Please note that all tickets for the event are digital

Ole!

 

 

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