EBBW Vale need to do the double over Bedwas if they are to ensure that Saturday afternoon's Principality Premiership clash is not their last game of the season at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen will earn a home semi-final in the playoffs if they hold on to second place but they are being chased hard by Gwent foes Cross Keys.

With tricky away fixtures at Llandovery, Llanelli and Cardiff to come, Ebbw need to make sure there are no slips as they bid to ensure a terrific campaign is extended beyond April 24.

"What the players have achieved so far is remarkable," said head coach Jason Strange. "We need to finish the season strongly and get a top three place now.

"That would be a reward for the hard work put in by everybody at the club, not just this season but over the past four (winning two Division One East titles and a pair of Swalec Championship crowns).

"Bedwas are an abrasive team and it's going to be about winning the physical battle. While we want to play with the ball in hand and at tempo, it will all come down to making sure the foundations are strong."

Bedwas have to rally for a strong end to the season after having their playoff hopes ended by Llandovery and their Swalec Cup run ended by Cross Keys in the quarter-finals.

"It's a difficult situation but we have just got to get on with it and finish the season strongly," said head coach Steve Law.

"It's a local derby and Ebbw Vale beat us by a point (12-11) earlier in the season, so there should be no shortage of motivation.

"We will have to play out of our skin and have to be competitive at the set piece and at the nuts and bolts of the game."

Ebbw Vale are boosted by the return of Carl Meyer, who has impressed at full-back for Newport Gwent Dragons but isn't registered in their European squad, but have been hit by a season-ending injury to tighthead prop Gethin Robinson, who tore a bicep playing in the Hong Kong 10s.

"It's a blow because Gethin and Robert Sevenoaks have complemented each other well and it's been a good battle at tighthead," said Strange.

"Gethin has been influential on and off the field but it gives a chance to Luke Leddington, who can finish the season strongly and stake a claim for a place in the (Wales Under-20s) Junior World Championship squad."

Law says that Bedwas are "decimated" by injuries but back row forward Dan Crimmins, red-carded for dissent at Pandy Park, will play in a game refereed by Rhys Thomas – the man whose decision he questioned.

- There will be a number of fundraising events at tomorrow's game to support the cancer charity of Rhys Thomas, Ebbw Vale's club doctor and surgeon who is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Boots will be in the clubhouse before the game with special offers on make-up, fragrances and free gifts. They are also providing two hampers, full of goodies, which will be raffled during the day.

After the match, some of the players will also be raising money for the charity by having their hair shaved off in the main bar. All money by from the Ebbw Addicts supporters club's after-match raffle will also be donated to the cause.

At 12.45pm, RTB Steelers Under-11s will play against Blackwood as a curtain raiser. They will also have a short exhibition match during the half-time interval while in the night there will be music in the clubhouse from the band Ninth Gate.