BUOYANT Ebbw Vale can make almost certain of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Parker Pen European Shield competition if they win in France tomorrow, writes Robin Davey.

They face a return against the tough Montauban side, having beaten them last week at Eugene Cross Park after defeating Rovigo as well.

With games against Agen at home and Rovigo away to follow, victory at Montauban will leave Vale well placed to make the last eight.

There is a precedent for they have won in France before, beating Toulon two years ago to reach the quarter-finals.

Vale go in on the back of four successive victories with coach Mike Ruddock saying: "We know it's going to be very tough, but we are still aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals."

Vale, already hard hit by injuries, will be without No 8 Gavin Evans who has been called into the Wales squad for the sevens tournaments in Dubai and Durban.

They have had to draft an extra prop into the squad in Andrew Clatworthy, who has hardly played since joining Vale in the summer.

Meanwhile, Vale have struck a sponsorship deal with a Rhymney medical company.

Williams Medical Supplies have signed an agreement to provide new medical equipment and support.