Newport claimed the final place in the inaugural Principality Premiership Play-Off Championship by beating SWALEC Cup winners Llanelli 48-35 at Rodney Parade last night.
The Black and Ambers will now travel west to face Swansea at St Helens on Monday 17 May (7.15pm), while the other semi-final sees Principality Premiership winners Neath host Llandovery at the Gnoll on Thursday evening (13 May, 7.10pm).
Pontypridd beat Llandovery in Round 2 but the Sardis Road outfit have been withdrawn from the Play-Off Championship after having been found to have fielded an ineligible player in that game. The club appealed the decision but the WRU Appeal Panel last night (Tuesday) upheld the decision of the Regulatory Committee against Pontypridd confirming the Drovers in the last four.
After qualifying for the semis, Newport head coach Sven Cronk said, “It’s great to have a chance to win some silverware at the end of the season. Llanelli came out of the blocks well last night and we were rusty in the first half but I was pleased with the way we turned things around in the second half.
“Swansea shocked us in the first Play-Off qualifying game. After holding the best defensive record in the league this season, we were unrecognisable in that game and it was bitterly disappointing to concede 60 points.
“Swansea have great speed behind and a pack that provides plenty of quality ball so we will have to up our game to come away with a win on Monday, but we are determined to do just that.”
Principality Premiership Play-Off Championship semi-finals:
Thursday 13 May Neath v Llandovery , The Gnoll (7.10pm)
Monday 17 May Swansea v Newport, St Helens (7.15pm)
