IT PROMISES to be a strange atmosphere at Eugene Cross Park this afternoon when relegated Ebbw Vale host Glamorgan Wanderers.
It could have been a tense 80 minutes with the Steelmen fighting for their Premiership lives against a hideously out of form Wanderers side.
But Pontypool’s shock midweek win over Newport condemned Ebbw to the drop. Twelve points back with only ten to play for, the deed is done.
What could have been a raucous atmosphere with Vale backed to the hilt could become a lukewarm one and the numbers in the stand and terrace are sure to be down on last week’s clash with Pooler.
However, on the pitch Ebbw should come out fighting. The players know that they have under-performed and should want to at least go down to Division One East with a couple of wins and a few more league tries than the paltry 15 they have managed so far.
It may have been this afternoon’s visitors scrambling for points to avoid the drop had the commitment and desire shown by Vale to beat Pontypool last weekend been displayed earlier in the season.
For the Wanderers are in shocking form and have lost their last 11 games, a slump so dramatic that Pontypool could overtake them this afternoon.
But they still have some bright young talent in their ranks and the likes of Dan Fish and Josh Navidi can punish sides if allowed to get into their stride.
It is a game that is tough to call and if will all go down to what frame of mind Ebbw are in when they head out of the home changing room just before 2.30pm.
The scenario is similar at the Talbot Athletic Ground where Pontypool are safe after winning six of their last seven, though their opponents are unlikely to be in a charitable mood.
Aberavon have a solid home record and will be looking to finish the season strongly so that they can climb into the top six and claim home advantage in the first round of the play-offs that determine whether they qualify for the British and Irish Cup.
Pooler have made all the right noises about wanting to finish on a winning note and they will be boosted by the presence in the starting XV of some players who will be wanting to impress with next season in mind.
But the Wizards are a strong outfit and should have the edge.
l Other fixtures: Premiership – Neath v Bedwas (Neath need three points for the title); Swalec Cup semi-finals – Carmarthen Q v Pontypridd (today, 2.30pm, Brewery Field, Bridgend), Cardiff v Llanelli (tomorrow, 2.30pm, St Helen’s, Swansea).
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