CAPTAIN Damien Hudd says playoff-chasing Ebbw Vale must get back to basics if they are to settle their nerves with a Principality Premiership victory at Llandovery, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen are having a wobble but remain in third place in the table and in a good position to extend a super first season back in the top flight beyond April 24.

They finish with three games on the road – at the Drovers, Llanelli and Cardiff – and one more win would probably be enough to secure a semi-final place.

Ebbw lead Bedwas and Carmarthen Quins, who both have two games left, by five and six points respectively while Cardiff are 10 back, also with three games to play.

Vale's fate is in their hands but they desperately need to find their form after a run of five defeats in their last six, the latest a disappointing 34-20 home reverse to Bedwas that saw their Gwent rivals clamber back into contention.

"We have faltered badly and it's cup final time for us now because we don't want to leave it until our last game at Cardiff," admitted lock Hudd.

"We have let ourselves down but we are still in control of things, it's up to us to get the wins and we aren't left hoping that others slip up.

"But we need to be switched on mentally at Llandovery because our composure has been letting us down.

"We have to do the simple things that we were doing so well at the start of the season. When our game plan is nullified, which it will be at times in the Premiership, we worry rather than just staying calm and making the right decisions.

"We are physically strong enough and we are fit enough but have to be mentally strong as well."

The Drovers, meanwhile, are hitting their straps a little late. They sit eighth in the table but are fresh from victories against three playoff hopefuls Cardiff, Bedwas and Carmarthen Quins.

They caught the eye in front of the S4C cameras last Sunday, running in seven tries in a crushing 46-10 victory against the Quins.

"Llandovery looked impressive and dry weather really suits them," said Hudd, who was to the fore in a 30-29 home win when the sides met at Eugene Cross Park in the season opener.

"They have a couple of really rapid players in a sharp back line that can hurt you if they get enough ball but I'd like to think that there is more to our game than just a pack so it should be a good game."

Ebbw Vale's end of season awards night in on Friday, May 22 at Eugene Cross Park.

The event starts at 7pm and costs £20, including a three-course meal. Contact Andrew Phillips to book a place by emailing ebbw40@gmail.com or ringing 07855710294.

STANDINGS

Pontypridd 74 points (remaining games against Aberavon, Cross Keys, Newport, Carmarthen Q)

Cross Keys 61 points (remaining games against Pontypridd, Bridgend twice)

Ebbw Vale 60 points (remaining games against Llandovery, Llanelli,Cardiff)

Bedwas 55 points (remaining games against Cardiff, Neath)

Carmarthen Quins 54 points (remaining games against Aberavon, Pontypridd)

Cardiff 50 points (remaining games against Llanelli, Bedwas, Ebbw Vale)