Carmarthen Quins came within a whisker of producing a giant-killing before Ebbw Vale squeezed into the next round after extra-time.

Quins fought tooth and nail in their seventh round tie at home to the Welsh Premiership club before going down 13-8 in a thrilling match.

With the scores locked at 8-8 following 80 minutes - after Emile Jones had touched down for Carmarthen and Barrie Thomas fired over a penalty and Kati Tuipolotu had crossed for Vale and Brian Shelbourne scored a penalty - it was all down to 30 extra minutes.

Replacement flanker Paul Williams broke Quins hearts when he crossed for an unconverted try with five minutes of extra-time remaining. It was a cruel blow to the junior side who had battled so bravely.

Pontypridd opened their defence of the cup with a 49-16 demolition of Cross Keys.

They went over for seven tries in all with Gareth Wyatt grabbing a brace and Emile Lewis, Gareth Baker, Dale McIntosh, Brett Davey and Matthew Reef also touching down.

All the Keys points were scored by Gethin Worgan, who went over for a try which he converted and also landed three penalties.

Current Welsh Premiership leaders Bridgend were too strong for Newbridge and powered their way to a 39-8 victory at the Welfare ground.

Mama Molitika scored two of their tries with former captain Huw Harries and Ben Phillips getting the others. Craig Warlow kicked two conversions and five penalties for a 19-point haul.

Neath, first winners of the Welsh Challenge Cup back in 1972, scored 12 tries in crushing Glamorgan Wanderers 76-12.

Shane Williams scored four touchdowns and Shaun Connor converted eight of the tries. It took Glamorgan Wanderers 25 minutes to get into the Neath 22.

Newport were well in control of their match at Bedwas and won at a canter 27-10.

Newport hooker Paul Young was sinbinned and Bedwas took advantage to score through Nathan Hill.

Matt Mostyn, Jason Jones-Hughes and Mike Voyle crossed for Newport and there was a penalty try.

Bony Maen battled bravely against Cardiff and led 13-9 at half-time but the capital city side scored 32 second-half points to win 41-16.

Dan McShane scored two tries for Cardiff with Anthony Sullivan and Dan Baugh also going over.

In the final clash of the round Llanelli held off the challenge of Pontypool to run out winners 32-20 and book their place in the last eight.