EBBW Vale look to strengthen bonds between neighbouring clubs and nurture the Eugene Cross Park’s up-and-coming players when their development team take on Beaufort next week.

The inaugural Swalec Championship holder’s development squad will host the Swalec Division Five side at Eugene Cross Park on Tuesday, October 1 (kick-off 7.15pm).

Vale head coach Jason Strange outlined the double purpose of the game.

“We think it's vital to work on and develop links between ourselves and the local clubs and this game will be good for us and, we hope, for Beaufort too,” he said.

"It's a great opportunity for our younger players to get some game time in, and for us, as coaches, to learn more about them as we all work to develop them as players."

Last week Ebbw Vale’s development side beat Bristol University 29-7 at Eugene Cross Park.

In the 2012/13 season, Beaufort finished eighth in the 12-team Division Five East.

This campaign got off to a disappointing start after a heavy 30-3 away defeat to so far unbeaten Blackwood Stars.

But they hit back with a thumping 59-5 victory at home to Blaina.