THIS weekend could have a huge bearing on the Principality Premiership futures of the two Gwent clubs currently embroiled in the fight to avoid falling through the top flight’s trap door.

Bridge Field stages one of the biggest games in the history of hosts Bedwas tomorrow as Stefan Sankala’s side tackle fellow relegation candidates Bridgend (kick-off 2.30pm).

The two teams are locked together on 43 points with Bedwas occupying the last automatic relegation place and Bridgend, who have two fixtures in hand, one position above.

As it stands, Bridgend would face Championship winners Pontypool at a neutral venue in mid-May for the right to play in the Premiership next season.

However, there is still plenty of rugby to be played between now and the end of the campaign, although victory on home soil will give Bedwas’ hopes of survival a massive lift.

While Bedwas sit within touching distance of safety, Cross Keys are in real danger of being cut adrift after six straight league defeats.

Morgan Stoddart’s charges have it all to do if they are going to make up the 10 points on Llanelli, who lie in the first guaranteed safe spot.

Keys go to mid-table Aberavon tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) in desperate need of a win, although recent results don’t provide the travelling fans with much optimism.

The Pandy Park outfit have conceded more than a century of points in their last two games, 53 to both Llanelli and Merthyr, but Keys did claim a bonus point against the Ironmen.

As for Llanelli, they don’t play until Sunday when RGC 1404 head to Parc y Scarlets.

On the same day, Newport can go above Pontypridd in the standings with a win over the Sardis Road side at Rodney Parade (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Black and Ambers are only one point behind their visitors, but Pontypridd do have four matches in hand.

With Llandovery in National Cup semi-final action against Cardiff tomorrow, Ebbw Vale will have their eyes on third place when they go west for a clash with Carmarthen Quins (kick-off 2.30pm).

Last weekend’s late success at Newport prevented the Steelmen from losing three in a row and took them into fourth place.

Elsewhere, Bargoed entertain in-form Swansea tomorrow knowing only a victory will do to maintain their slim chances of survival.

Down in the Championship, Newbridge now have just pride to play for following their relegation last weekend.

The Pigs only have one fixture left and that is tomorrow when they travel to Rhydyfelin, the side immediately below them in the table.

The last time the teams met this season was all the way back on the first day of the new campaign.

Newbridge ran out 21-12 winners on that occasion, before losing their next eight league encounters in succession.

And with Rhydyfelin and bottom club Newcastle Emlyn both having three games in hand on them, Newbridge could well finish the season at the foot of the Championship.

Newbridge's demotion was confirmed last Saturday when they lost 29-28 to the basement boys.