WHILE Bargoed attempt to take another giant step towards the Swalec Championship title this afternoon Blackwood will try and spark another great escape into life.

Leaders Bargoed have won all 19 league fixtures so far this season and will fancy their chances of perfection, something that Ebbw Vale couldn't quite manage, if they win their home clash with second-placed Swansea.

The men from the Rhymney Valley, unlike the Whites, don't have the criteria for promotion to the Principality Premiership so will have plenty of support from Newport, who are propping up the top flight.

At the other end of the table Blackwood have been having a tough time of things and have endured a slide into trouble. Twelve losses on the spin, the latest a 74-7 home drubbing to Newbridge, means only Llanharan are beneath them in the table.

This afternoon they face a tricky trip to sixth-placed Narberth, who triumphed 41-30 at Glan-yr-Afon Park in November.

Blackwood rallied in the closing weeks of last season to stay up and will need to go on another late charge to save their bacon.

Pontypool's bid to finish third behind Bargoed and Swansea has hit the skids after defeats to Swansea and Tata Steel.

They currently sit in fofth and will want to finish the season strongly, starting with today's home encounter against a ninth-placed Bridgend Athletic side who they pipped 16-13 at Newbridge Fields last autumn.

- Today's fixtures: Bargoed v Swansea, Llanharan v Cardiff Met, Narberth v Blackwood, Pontypool v Bridgend Athletic, RGC 1404 v Tata Steel, Tondu v Glynneath

- Newbridge's encounter at Merthyr was played last week because the Ironmen are in Swalec Cup action against Bridgend, 'Bridge going down 40-3 at The Wern.

The firsts are not playing today but the youth side will be taking on their counterparts from Risca at the Welfare Ground (kick-off 2.30pm)