Wizards ready to move into play-offs

ABERAVON will move into the Principality Premiership Tier One play-off places with victory at Llandovery this afternoon (2.30pm.)

The Wizards head to Church Bank looking to back up their five-star bonus-point victory 35-20 victory at home against Pontypridd last Saturday which was also their first competitive action for six weeks.

It was a second win from three games since the league split for Jason Hyatt’s side and moved them to within three points of reigning champions Ebbw Vale, who currently occupy fourth spot on 12 points.

They also have two games in hand on all five sides above them while this is the first of three away games on the spin for Aberavon – with trips to Carmarthen Quins and Merthyr to come.

“We’ll take it one game at a time,” said Wizards No.8 Chris Davies.

“It’s really crucial that we perform and come away from these three games with some points to put us in good stead for the play-offs.”

Meanwhile, having lost three of their four Tier One games to date, Llandovery now need snookers if they are to make the top four – but Davies says they still won’t be underestimated.

“Llandovery are very well organised and a great outfit who, on their day, can beat anyone.”

“It’s just going to be whoever turns up on the day which is how it is in this league.”

The only other Premiership game this afternoon is in Tier Two at the Gnoll where Neath host Bargoed, also kicking off at 2.30pm.

The Welsh All Blacks’ crushing eight-try 59-14 home win over Cross Keys last weekend certainly raised a few eyebrows – and also brought the Gwent side’s 100 per cent winning record since the split crashing down.

Neath are one of five side now realistically chasing down four spots in the league’s second tier and another bonus-point win today will take Gareth Llewellyn’ side a point clear of Newport at the top.

Bargoed, meanwhile, with four games still to play, can’t be discounted but, with only four points from three games, they face an uphill task.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from a 52-7 thumping at Llanelli in their last match.