The Steelmen have already plundered a bonus-point win at the Arms Park in the Indigo Premiership this season and knocked the cup holders out of the Premiership Cup in their next meeting. Now they meet for a third time in what is a vital league clash.
Having pulled off a ‘Great Escape’ at Sardis Road last weekend, when they turned a 25-5 deficit into a 26-25 victory, Ebbw are looking to stay in second place behind reigning champions Llandovery. For Law’s men, the task is to keep in touch with the top four.
Their defeat against RGC in Colwyn Bay last weekend left them a point behind Pooler I fifth place. Champions in 2022 and beaten finalists on their home turf last year, Law wants his makeshift side to at least stay in contention for the play-offs this winter.
“Our whole focus is to stay in touch with Pontypool in fourth place so we can mount a challenge to get into the play-offs. That’s the goal and if we can get into the top four we’re into knock-out rugby and anything can happen,” said Law.
“We’ e already seen what Ebbw Vale have got to offer this season. They are well coached, have a great environment and play in a style that everyone fits into.
“Llandovery are as consistent as ever at the top and Newport are coming on strong, so there might only be one more place to shoot for in the play-offs.”
The Drovers host Pontypridd at Church Bank today, while Newport have another weekend off. There is a 19-point gap between Llandovery in first and Cardiff in fifth at the half-way point in the season.
Bridgend will be hoping home advantage works in their favour when they welcome Carmarthen Quins to the Brewery Field. The Quins haven’t been very mighty this season, winning only once 49-14 at Neath on 9 September, and are on a nine-match losing streak.
Only Neath, one point below them in 13th place, have a similar record, although Pat Horgan’s men did at least win for the first time on Boxing Day against arch-rivals Aberavon. This weekend they welcome Merthyr to The Gnoll.
In the other game, Pontypool entertain Aberavon. When they met at the Talbot Athletic Ground earlier in the season, Pooler won 12-10.
