OF the three Gwent clubs still in with a chance of securing a place in the Principality Premiership play-offs, Ebbw Vale are the one in the enviable position of being in control of their own destiny.

It doesn’t matter what Newport or Cross Keys do, the Steelmen will clinch third spot should they beat Aberavon on Sunday.

If Ebbw prevail at Eugene Cross Park then they would qualify for the play-offs for the second year running, though they would face a semi-final away from home.

Head coach Nigel Davies and his players were given a massive boost earlier this week when skipper Damien Hudd’s red card against Bedwas was overturned.

Third-placed Ebbw triumphed 20-14 when they met the Wizards last November and hold a slender one-point lead over their opponents.

For Aberavon, their destiny largely depends on what Keys do.

Greg Woods’ men have two games left, away to Neath on Saturday and at home to Bedwas on Tuesday.

They will require two five-point hauls to force their way into the play-off reckoning.

If they achieve that and the Wizards win at Ebbw then Keys would qualify by virtue of having more victories this season.

A 10-point haul and an Ebbw win without a bonus would see Keys edged out by the Steelmen on victory count.

As for Newport, the Black and Ambers have to beat Llanelli with a bonus point, pray that Ebbw and Aberavon draw without the hosts scoring four tries, and hope Keys muster only eight points or less from their remaining fixtures.

At the top of the table, Pontypridd hold the whip hand, with victory over Bedwas on Saturday seeing them straight through to the Grand Final at Sardis Road.

If the reigning champions slip up then Llandovery can overtake them with victory at Cardiff.

All Saturday games kick-off at 2.30pm, Ebbw Vale's match on Sunday starts at 5.15pm.

Cross Keys (at Neath): L Andrews (capt), M Powell, N Williams, P Williams, L Lewis, E Davies, J Leadbeater; L Garrett, D Hughes, L Brown, D Hodge, S Andrews, I Jones, J Skinner, A Powell. Replacements: E Shipp, G Carpenter, R Cornock, T Lampard, B Nightingale, N Trowbridge, O Leonard, S Williams.

Newport (v Llanelli): A Robson, J Morris, O Williams, G O’Driscoll, E Frewen, M O’Brien, O Davies; F Young, W Evans, A Jeffries, Ad Brown, D Partridge, B Lampitt, R Jenkins, J Goodey. Replacements: An Brown, T Piper, M Prosser, A N Other, A N Other, A Bidgood, W Cunliffe, L ap Myrddin.

Bedwas (at Pontypridd): G Payne, A Evans, C Edwards, M Callow, M John, J Dixon, T Rowlands; D Preece (capt), R Wilkes, M Pettit, J Davies, G Edmunds, J Thomas, G Lee, A Waite. Replacements: J Haines, B Toms, K Jenkins, R Verley, S Feehan, L Crane, D Mattravers, A Williams.

Ebbw Vale (v Aberavon): TBC.