FOUR teams are playing for one spot in the Principality Premiership play-offs after a dramatic round of action on Tuesday evening.
Pontypridd and Llandovery secured places in the top two with victories over Newport and Carmarthen Quins respectively while Cross Keys are up against it after losing at Aberavon.
Ebbw Vale, the Wizards, Keys and the Black and Ambers are all in the running. Here are the scenarios heading into what promises to be a tense weekend…
THE STANDINGS
THE REMAINING FIXTURES
Saturday: Bridgend v Carmarthen Quins, Cardiff v Llandovery, Neath v Cross Keys, Newport v Llanelli, Pontypridd v Bedwas
Sunday: Ebbw Vale v Aberavon
Tuesday: Cross Keys v Bedwas
TOP SPOT
A simple scenario – if Pontypridd beat Bedwas then they will finish top of the pile again and enjoy home advantage in the grand final. If the champions fail to win then Llandovery can pip them with victory at Cardiff.
THE SEMI-FINAL
The first play-off game will either take place at Sardis Road or Church Bank as both Ponty and the Drovers are clear of the teams tussling for third.
THE FINAL SPOT
Ebbw Vale are in pole position – win against Aberavon on Sunday and they will be in the semi-final for the second year on the spin, albeit away from home this time.
The Wizards will climb above the Steelmen with victory at Eugene Cross Park but could be sweating on another Gwent team.
Cross Keys have two fixtures left to play – Neath on Saturday and Bedwas on Tuesday – and need a 10-point haul to force their way into the mix.
If they achieve that and the Wizards win at Ebbw then they would qualify by virtue of having more victories this season. A 10-point haul and an Ebbw win without bonus would see them pipped by the Steelmen on victory count.
Newport have had a tremendous campaign after propping up the pile in 2015 but need a freak set of results to qualify. The Black and Ambers must beat Llanelli with a bonus point, hope that Ebbw and Aberavon draw without the hosts scoring four tries and for Keys to muster only eight points or less.
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