Season will go down to the wire, says Woods
EBBW Vale head coach Greg Woods knows it’s nip and tuck as the Principality Premiership’s chasing pack look to hunt down leaders Merthyr.
The Ironmen are seven points clear at the summit, but behind them only four points separate the division’s next six clubs.
Woods – whose Ebbw side have dropped to eighth after a poor run of form – host Carmarthen Quins in seventh at Eugene Cross Park tonight .
“There are only a couple of points between the top seven or eight sides,” Wood said. “But it will take another 10 games to see where everyone is potentially going to end up.
“This period is a crucial one and we just have to keep collecting points. I’ve said all along that anyone can beat anyone in this league and it will go down to the wire.
“Merthyr have won the title two years on the trot and deservedly so. They’re looking good and strong at the moment, but it’s up to us to keep building on what we’re doing.”
Ebbw had a fine start to the season and will hope to get one over on top six rivals Quins. There are seven fixtures tonight, with Merthyr at home to Llandovery as first take on sixth.
Elsewhere, second-placed Pontypridd host Newport and Aberavon – who have won eight of their 11 games so far – travel to Pandy Park to face Cross Keys.
At the other end of the table, Neath host Cardiff after securing their first win of the season by downing Bargoed 30-12 last weekend. The Welsh All Blacks – who have been served a winding-up order in court – remain rock bottom, but they are now only six points behind Llanelli.
In the other fixtures to take place, Bridgend face Bedwas and Bargoed travel to Swansea for a crunch clash between two struggling sides at St. Helen’s.
In Saturday’s only kick-off, RGC 1404 host Llanelli.
Ebbw retain the forward power and dangerous backs to compete for the title and Woods has been boosted by the signing of Canada lock Paul Ciulini to cover a second row injury crisis.
“Paul has been great with the boys. It’s hard for a national player to come in for three weeks and learn everything at line-out time, but he’s certainly helped us out with the crisis we’re in,” he said.
“We’ve got off to a good start and we’ve just got to keep grinding and collecting points even when we don’t win. I’ve been pleased over the last 12 months since I joined with how the boys are playing rugby and the winning culture we’ve got now.”