BLACKWOOD will take a huge step towards securing their Championship status if they beat Tata Steel at Glan-yr-Afon Park tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

The battle to avoid the drop took a massive swing in Blackwood's favour last weekend when they thrashed Newbridge 41-5 at the Welfare Ground.

The five-point haul lifted them above Beddau and Bonymaen and puts them on the brink of safety as they have games in hand on their relegation rivals, who also have tougher run-ins.

"There was a belief, hunger and desire to win against Newbridge and that victory has given the boys some relief," said head coach Veater.

"There is still pressure on us but that one win has taken a weight off the shoulders because we would have been staring down the barrel with defeat.

"Things are looking a lot better but we don't want to look beyond Tata Steel. They will be coming here on the back of a big (49-10) defeat to Cardiff Met so will have plenty to prove."

'Bridge are on a horrible run of five defeats but thankfully have enough points to be clear of the relegation scrap.

Tomorrow they make the short trip to sixth-placed Pontypool, who are looking to finish a much-improved season strongly. Pooler edged out Cardiff Met 32-29 on Wednesday night and are four points behind third-placed Bargoed.

Champions Ebbw Vale are edging closer towards a perfect season and bid for their 23rd win from 23 games when they welcome ninth-placed Llanharan to Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen, who won 38-8 at Bridgend Athletic last weekend, have started preparations for life in the Premiership by securing the services of their impressive tight five.

Props Ross Jones and Robert Sevenoaks, hooker Mathew Williams and locks Damien Hudd and Ashley Sweet have put pen to paper on deals to remain at Ebbw.

Other fixtures: Cardiff Met v Beddau, Narberth v Bridgend Athletic, RGC 1404 v Bonymaen, Tondu v Bargoed