EBBW Vale return to the scene of one of their greatest achievements tonight when they tackle Pontypridd at Sardis Road (kick-off 7.15pm) in the Principality Premiership.

It was there in May that the Steelmen thrashed the hosts 38-12 to lift the league title, 12 months after losing the grand final to the same opponents at the same venue.

Back at the ‘House of Pain’ this evening for the first time since that handsome victory some five months ago, Ebbw would love a repeat performance to help boost their campaign.

Sitting eighth, 13 points behind Premiership leaders Aberavon, Nigel Davies’ troops have yet to fully hit their straps this term, losing two of five matches to date.

The championship success of last season meant so much to Ebbw but skipper Damien Hudd believes both sides will use the previous meeting to inspire them tonight.

“Going to Sardis Road brings back some great memories,” he said. “Winning the grand final was one of the best moments for our club, especially since regional rugby came in.

“But that was last season and Pontypridd will be looking at that game to give them extra ammunition to chuck at us tonight.

“It’s another game altogether but winning there gives you the mindset that you’ve done it before and you don’t need to be scared of that environment.”

And while the squads may have changed slightly since May, the Sardis Road playing surface is looking very different these days.

This fixture was supposed to be played earlier in the season but Pontypridd’s new artificial pitch wasn’t quite ready.

With Cardiff and Merthyr also using similar surfaces, tonight shouldn’t give Ebbw any problems they haven’t faced before.

Meanwhile, Pontypridd, two points above Ebbw in sixth, have seen their injury crisis ease, with fly-half Ceri Sweeney and hooker Huw Dowden both in contention following neck and calf strains.

Flanker Jake Thomas (hip) is close to full fitness, while full-back Geraint Walsh (fractured leg), winger Chris Clayton (shoulder), scrum-half Wayne Evans (knee) and prop Pat Palmer (shoulder) are all hopeful of returning before Christmas.

Number-eight Dan Godfrey, winger Lewis Williams, props Liam Bodman and Callum Lewis and flanker Darren Waters are all out.

The last meeting between the teams was just a fortnight ago when Pontypridd won 31-17 at Eugene Cross Park in the Foster’s Challenge Cup.