BLACKWOOD are determined to fight for their place in the Swalec Championship after sliding into a relegation battle.

It has been a difficult few months for the men from Glan-yr-Afon Park, who are on a run of nine defeats, have seen a number of players head for pastures new and the departure of coaches Matthew Veater and Gareth Williams and director of rugby Nigel Way.

The club are finding things hard against teams with more resources and have dropped to 12th in the table but chairman Roger Moore says that Blackwood are up for the challenge.

"We are re-grouping and determined to stay in this league," he said. "We found ourselves in a relegation battle last season but the commitment of the players and the departed coaching team was crucial in bringing us through.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to express our thanks to the coaching team and the departed players for their contribution and wish them every success for the future."

Blackwood have filled the void with young players coming through their junior section and are hopeful that the senior players that have stayed, and potentially new experienced recruits, can lead the way.

Moore said: ""The departures have seen an increasing proportion of local players forming the nucleus of the team and the commitment they have shown in difficult circumstances has been outstanding.

"We are committed to looking after the players who have remained loyal to us and to support Matthew Hutcheon and David Brake in their role of player-coaches.

"Craig Clements, our long standing team manager, is playing a hugely important role and our former captain and coach Mark Thomas is also using his vast experience to help.

"Our doors are open for players to join who want to experience the challenge of rugby in the Championship."

While Blackwood are on the slide, Newbridge are on the up and last week secured a tremendous 16-15 win at Cardiff Met. This afternoon they will aim to stun second-placed Swansea to stretch further away from trouble.

Pontypool have shown plenty of spirit in defeats away to Narberth in the league and Bedwas of the Premiership in the Swalec Cup. They will hope to return to winning ways when hosting Glynneath.

Other fixtures: Bargoed v Tondu, Bridgend Athletic v Tata Steel, Merthyr v Cardiff Met, RGC 1404 v Narberth.