BEDWAS forwards coach Ian Gardner is well aware that tomorrow’s trip to Aberavon could quite easily be a dress rehearsal for a play-off semi-final between the teams next weekend.

The two sides meet in their last fixture of the regular season (kick-off 2.30pm) with Bedwas lying second in the Principality Premiership tier one table, two points above third-placed Aberavon.

It is looking likely that the clubs, who drew 17-17 in the league in November, will face each other again on May 12 or 13 for a place in the grand final.

The outcome of tomorrow’s contest at the Talbot Athletic Ground is probably going to determine whether Bedwas or the Wizards will host that semi.

However, should Bedwas win and Merthyr slip up away to Ebbw Vale then Gardner’s men would finish top of the pile and face the fourth best team in the play-offs.

“It was a big moment for us to cross the line against Pontypridd last weekend and get a play-off place,” said Gardner.

“This weekend, whoever wins out of us and Aberavon is probably going to have a home draw against the other in the play-offs.

“The Talbot Athletic Ground hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us, in fact I don’t think we have ever won there in the Premiership.

“But I think the mindset is different with this group of players – our away record is better than our home record. We’d like a home draw but it’s not the be all and end all.”

Bedwas are without fly-half Richard Powell but Gardner is confident they have enough quality in the squad to cope.

“We have the two James Dixons,” added Gardner. “One played for the Army at Twickenham last week in front of more than 80,000, the other is one of the most experienced fly-halves in the Premiership.

“We have got strength in depth in that position and I’m more than confident in those boys coming in.”