BLACKWOOD are currently sixth in the Welsh First Division table and aim to stay there until the end of the season, writes Paul Tully.

A top half of the table spot would have been regarded as a good result at the start of the campaign, following last season's relegation scare.

But the Glan-yr-Afon Park outfit have shown such consistent form that they believe they warrant a top six finish - and that's what they're focused on.

"We've got a big Principality Cup date with Pontypridd next month, but I've told everyone to forget that and concentrate on winning our next two league games against Tondu on Saturday and Merthyr after that," said defence coach Jason Powell.

"The Tondu game is a big one for us. They are third in the table, though personally I don't think they are a top four side, and beating them will boost our chances of a top six finish. "They are a similar team to us in many ways.

"We can be brilliant one week and mediocre the next, but we keep winning. "I think the reason we are more consistent is to do with confidence. Last season we could be very negative but this season the players really believe in themselves.

"They have all set themselves personal goals and mostly achieving them with all 28 members of the squad performing well.

"But we have the ability to up our game when needed." Powell concluded: "I think Aberavon, Pontypool, Newbridge and Carmarthen Quins are the top four sides, with the rest battling for fifth and six spots and if we keep in the top six we'll be very happy."

Blackwood make six changes with wings Gavin and Stuart Rees, hooker Andrew Peacock, second row Ian Jones, No 8 Jamie Sims and flanker David Tomsa all returning. Blackwood: D Brown, G Rees, J To'o, D Morris, S Rees, M Jones, O Jones, J Price, A Peacock, Ioan Jones, D Hallman, Ian Jones, J Powell, D Tomsa, J Sims. Replacements: K Lewis, M Tucker, W Sims, L Hamer, C Clements, C Lay, D Starr. Kick-off 2.30pm.