WALES Under-20s back row forward Harri Keddie returns for Ebbw Vale at Llandovery this afternoon as the Steelmen attempt to take a giant step towards a place in the Principality Premiership playoffs, writes Chris Kirwan.

Ebbw have been in the playoff berths all season but are having a wobble after losing four of their last five, the latest loss a 34-20 home defeat to Bedwas.

One win from their three away games at the Drovers, Llanelli and Cardiff would probably be enough to secure third place and they will be keen to seal the deal as soon as possible.

Head coach Jason Strange said: "The players have been very honest and realistic this week about their performance against Bedwas.

"We are hoping for the right response Llandovery, who are in good form and looked excellent in beating Carmarthen last Sunday."

Dragons academy number eight Keddie, who was superb in the Under-20s Six Nations, returns from injury while powerful South African back Carl Meyer moves from full-back to midfield.

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond, O Williams, A Jones/J Howells, C Meyer, T James, I Smerdon, C Thomas, R Jones, M Williams, R Sevenoaks, D Hudd (captain), A Sweet, R Clarke, R Kynes, H Keddie. Replacements: TBC

Other fixture: Llanelli v Cardiff

WHEN Blackwood hosted Glynneath in December the visitors emerged with the spoils in a tight Swalec Championship encounter. It will be a pleasant surprise if it's as tense this afternoon.

The Glan-yr-Afron Park side prop up the table after a run of 15 successive league defeats and they have been struggling to field a side.

They were beaten 53-5 by second-placed Swansea in midweek and that was a marked improvement on recent thumpings by Merthyr (92-5), Narberth (74-5) and Newbridge (74-7).

It's a sad plight for a proud club who will hope to regroup over the summer.

Newbridge's fine form at the start of the year means they have no need to look nervously over their shoulders at the end of the season.

They sit tenth in the table, well away from trouble, but will still be keen to finish strongly with RGC 1404 the visitors to the Welfare Ground this afternoon.

'Bridge have lost their last three fixtures, albeit to three teams in the top five – Merthyr, Swansea and Pontypool.

Fifth-placed Pooler triumphed 18-10 at Newbridge last weekend and will need to show that steel when they host fourth-placed Merthyr. The Ironmen won 23-19when the sides met at The Wern.

Elsewhere, Swansea need to win with a bonus point at Tondu to prevent Bargoed from winning the title. The unbeaten leaders host Bridgend Athletic but may have to wait until they visit Newbridge next week to seal their success.

Llanharan host Tata Steel and Cardiff Met travel to Narberth.