Ebbw Vale eventually shook off a resilient Pontypool to book a Principality Cup semi-final clash with Llanelli at the Millennium Stadium next month.

Twice Pontypool drew level in a thrilling second half before Ebbw Vale centre Paul Matthews crossed for the crucial score just four minutes from time.

Full-back Gareth Cull kicked 17 points, with five penalties and a conversion, as Ebbw Vale reached the semi-finals for the third successive year.

Pontypool outside-half Byron Hayward, a former Ebbw Vale player, matched Cull with five penalties and a conversion to his credit.

Vale's first try was claimed by prop Iestyn Thomas in the 21st minute after number eight Will Thomas had caught the ball cleanly at the back of a lineout close to the Pooler try line.

The boot of Cull extended the lead to 13-6 at the interval but Pontypool, one division below Ebbw Vale, recovered the half-time deficit to draw level at 16 points apiece.