CUP winner Geraint Walsh is confident that Pontypool can move a step closer to Principality Stadium by claiming another Premiership scalp tomorrow evening.

Pooler take a break from their bid for promotion from the Championship to hunt glory in the WRU National Cup with a tough home quarter-final clash against Carmarthen Quins (kick-off 5.15pm).

Leighton Jones' men have enjoyed their knockout assignments in recent years, beating Llanelli, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Cross Keys, Bridgend and, in September, Swansea.

They may have home advantage but the Quins head east with a formidable pack that destroyed Newport at Rodney Parade in round one and earned an excellent 29-7 win against Premiership leaders Cardiff last weekend.

But full-back Walsh, who won the cup twice with Pontypridd, is confident that Pooler can repeat their 2018 triumph against the west Walians.

"We definitely believe we can progress to the semi-finals," said Walsh to pontypoolrugby.co.uk. "If you don't believe you can win then you don't stand much chance.

"The club beat Carmarthen in the cup two seasons ago, but they've come on a lot since then and seem a lot more consistent this season.

"I think our attack, in particular, has come on a lot this year. We are scoring some nice tries and the forwards and backs are linking up well together.

"It makes a huge difference to how you can play as a team and everyone plays their part - especially guys like Scott Matthews and Ieuan Jones with their offloading game."

Pooler's priority remains securing promotion – second-placed Bargoed can chip into their 11-point lead by beating Tata Steel tomorrow – but Walsh is relishing a crack at the Quins.

"Despite what we are trying to achieve in the league, we definitely don't see the cup as a distraction," he said.

"We have a big enough squad to be able to compete in both competitions and we will relish the opportunity to go up against another quality Premiership outfit."

Pooler have won all 15 league games this season, beat Swansea 29-15 in round one and Cardiff Met 66-21 in round two.

They will have to dig deep against a Quins side who are second in the Premiership and chasing the double.

"The Pontypool Park crowd make a massive difference to us as a team - particularly in the big cup games," said Walsh.

"They've regularly been our 16th man and when you run out of the tunnel and there's a packed crowd, you automatically get an extra spring in your step and are bouncing for the game to start. This weekend will be no different."

The other Championship side left in the tournament, Neath, face a tough test away to Premiership champions Merthyr.

Holders Cardiff travel to Llanelli while Aberavon entertain Llandovery.

Tickets for Pooler's quarter-final cost £10 with entry free for under-16s when accompanied by a paying adult.