The league will be split in two after January 7 and there are still a number of teams in with a shout of making the 8th place cut off point.
With three rounds of fixtures to go, it is all to play for as there are only three teams who are mathematically ruled out of qualifying; Bargoed, Swansea and Neath.
Bridgend and Llanelli can still make that 8th place, but it will be a big ask, as they reel on 22 points. Newport, Cross Keys and reigning champions Ebbw Vale all remain with a realistic chance, as they hunt down Cardiff who currently occupy that vital 8th place spot.
And they kick Christmas off early when they host Pontypridd at the Arms Park on December 23. Ponty are probably safe in third, but Cardiff will need a win if they are to fend off the chasing Gwent trio.
Cardiff have scooped five wins from their last six Premiership outings and will fancy their chances to build on their fine run of form.
Boxing Day serves up a treat with six games, including one match live on television. S4C will broadcast Bedwas against Ebbw Vale at Bridge Field at 4:45pm. Bedwas sit fifth and have been one of the surprise packages in this years’ competition; a win will likely seal their place in the top eight.
In contrast, the Steelmen have been inconsistent, and will need a hat-trick of wins if they are to have any chance of defending their crown.
Cross Keys against Newport is the pick of the games on the Boxing Day, with both sides needing wins to keep alive their chances of being on the right end of the split. The Black & Ambers are the in-form side having won five games on the spin. A victory against the Keys will put them in good stead, as they play RGC 1404 and Bargoed in the final two rounds of matches.
Eleswhere, Neath will aim to shock Aberavon, Bargoed host Bridgend, Llandovery travel to Carmarthen and there’s a West Walian derby in Swansea versus Llanelli.
December 27 sees the battle of the high-flying new boys as RGC make the long trip down to Merthyr. The Ironmen lead the way in the Premiership, with the Gogs sitting fourth. Both sides will undoubtedly be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
Fixtures:
Friday 23rd December 19:30
Cardiff Rugby v Pontypridd
Monday 26th December 14:30
Aberavon v Neath
Bargoed v Bridgend
Carmarthen Quins v Llandovery
Cross Keys v Newport
Swansea v Llanelli
Bedwas v Ebbw Vale 16.45
Tuesday 27th December 14:30
Merthyr v RGC 1404
