EVERY game will be like a cup final until Ebbw Vale secure their place in the Principality Premiership tier one play-offs, according to captain Damien Hudd.

The Steelmen left it late to clinch a top-eight berth when the league split early last month, but having made the cut the reigning champions will be going all out to defend their title.

And, with players coming back from injury and additions to the squad including twins Rob and James Lewis, they are well prepared to do just that.

Their first of seven tier one fixtures takes place at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow when the Premiership – now made up of two eight-team tiers – resumes after a four-week break.

Steve Law’s Bedwas, who finished the first part of the campaign second in the table, are the visitors (kick-off 2.30pm).

Bedwas edged the previous meeting between the sides on Boxing Day, scoring a late try to snatch a 23-22 win at Bridge Field.

“We know plenty about Bedwas and they know plenty about us,” said Ebbw skipper Hudd. “There are lots of local boys in the two teams who have played against each other over the last few years.

“They’ve got a good pack but like to play rugby, and they scored a good try right through the middle of us in the last game.

“We’re a bit stronger now but Bedwas are as well so it should be a close game, and I don’t think we’ll be favourites just because we are at home.

He added: “There is pressure on you to win games, especially at home, and if you lose your first one you are going to be chasing everybody else.

“The points are back to zero now and until you get four or five wins to seal a place in the play-offs every game is like a cup final.”

Hudd was the proudest man in Gwent when he lifted the league trophy at Sardis Road last May.

Doing it all over again would take that pride to another level.

“It would be fantastic if we could defend our title, especially when you consider some of the other sides in this league and the players they have,” he added.

“It was a very proud moment when we won it the first time and I’m 36 on Sunday, so I can’t see me having many more chances of winning it again after this year.

“Whatever league you’re playing in you want to win it and we’ve got a one in eight chance this season.

“We’ve got four home games and three away and we’ve got to look to win every one to be at home in the play-offs.”

Lewis twins Rob and James have returned to Ebbw after 10 years playing professional rugby, mainly at London Welsh.

They are back at a club where their late grandfather starred as an outside-half, dad Steve was a record points scorer, and cousin Iestyn impressed as a talented centre.

With the Franchi siblings, Joe and Dom, the Lewis brothers are now the second set of twins currently playing for the Steelmen.

Meanwhile, second row Lance Randall, a product of the Newport Gwent Dragons academy, has joined the club after a long-term knee injury.

Elsewhere in tier one tomorrow, Llandovery, Pontypridd and RGC 1404 host Aberavon, Carmarthen Quins and Merthyr respectively, while Bargoed face Swansea at St Helen’s in tier two.