AFTER repeating their success against Grand Final opponents Pontypridd in midweek, Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale hunt a victory against the side they beat in the semi-finals, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen welcome Llandovery for Eugene Cross Park as they seek to strengthen their position in the top half before the January split after 15 rounds.

Ebbw had not hit the heights of their title-winning campaign before their 41-25 success at Sardis Road on Tuesday and they will be hoping to go on a strong run before the December break for the British and Irish Cup.

The pack were mightily impressive on the Ponty plastic and will hope to repeat the trick against a Drovers side who triumphed when the sides met in the Swalec Cup quarter-finals in Gwent last season before Nigel Davies' men got revenge at Church Bank in the play-offs.

Cross Keys have made a slow start to the season with just two wins from six but a win against pace-setters Aberavon would be the perfect way to kick-off the pre-Christmas block.

The men from Pandy Park have pledged to give youth a chance while the league in ring-fenced but it's seasoned campaigners such as Leon Andrews, Richard Cornock, Dan Hodge and Tom Lampard who will be vital against the Wizards. Last season's encounter in Gwent was a thriller with both sides securing four-try bonus points in a 32-32 draw.

A crucial block of fixtures for Newport starts with a home encounter with Bridgend, who they doubled last season.

After such an encouraging 2015/16, the Black and Ambers have made a sluggish start to the campaign to sit one from bottom with a solitary win to their name.

However, they host the Ravens, Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins and Aberavon and head to Neath and Swansea before the next break and a good points return will aid their top-eight bid.

While they are looking to go on the climb, Bedwas are looking to hold steady before January and today they welcome Swansea to Bridge Field.

Steve Law's side are looking good in fifth but know that they must not allow complacency to creep in against the bottom club.

Bargoed traded wins with RGC 1404 in the Championship last season but the clubs are at opposite ends of the Premiership table. The Bulls will hope to claim a notable win in Colwyn Bay this afternoon ahead of next weekend's home derby with Keys.

Ebbw Vale (v Llandovery): D Haymond, C Levesley, N Preece, J Howells, J Rosser, J Lewis, C Thomas, R Jones, J Franchi, R Sevenoaks, D Hudd (captain), M Williams, J Jacas, R Kynes, R Clarke. Replacements: N Thomas, I George, G Robinson, J Barlett, E Doyle, B Ellis, R Gardner, W Talbot-Davies.

Cross Keys (v Aberavon): J Prosser, M Powell, L Andrews, B Nightingale, J Unwin, J Thomas, O Leonard, L Smout, D Hughes (captain), R Cornock, D Hodge, S Williams, T Lampard, J Skinner, I Jones. Replacements: E Shipp, C Hewlett, G Carpenter, M George, N Hudd, N Trowbridge, J Leadbeater, N Williams.

Newport (v Bridgend): L Ap Myrddin, W Cunliffe, T Riley, C Smith, J Morris, M O'Brien, O Davies, J Lavener, H Palmer, T Piper, D Mock, A Brown (captain), R Jenkins, C Attwell, R Tucker. Replacements: E Whitson, J Greenfield, C Coleman, H Williams, K Tatler, R James, A Robson, G O'Driscoll.

Bedwas (v Swansea): A Bramwell, A Evans, C Edwards, JS Dixon, P Pariyo, J Dixon, N Griffiths (captain), B Toms, A Rees, M Pettit, R Blake, T Bell, A Waite, G Lee, D Crimmins. Replacements: J Williams, D Harris, T Hutcherson, G Edmunds, J Richards, L Crane, M Callow, G Davies

Bargoed (at RGC 1404): C Jones, L Hudd, D Humphries, P Price, L Protheroe, G Callow, J Pizey, R Morgan, L Meades (captain), K Brown, J Locke, L Blackers, A Coupe, A Herbert, R Coombs. Replacements: J Williams, A Gardner-Key, I Jenkins, G Rogers, L Beach, J Hallett, A Norton, L Bowden

Premiership fixtures: Bedwas v Swansea, Cardiff v Carmarthen Quins, Cross Keys v Aberavon, Ebbw Vale v Llandovery, Llanelli v Merthyr, Newport v Bridgend, Pontypridd v Neath, RGC 1404 v Bargoed