AN EXTENDED break from Principality Premiership East action was just what the doctor ordered for Ebbw Vale and head coach Lee Davies.

The Steelmen, bottom of the eight-club conference, entertain Bargoed tomorrow (2.30pm), three weeks after a crushing 54-5 hammering by leaders Bedwas.

Davies is hoping his charges can start afresh this weekend as they bid to put themselves into the best position possible before the east joins up with the west in late December.

But, as he admits, it has been far from easy getting over that drubbing at Bridge Field last time out.

“We’ve just about recovered from the Bedwas game,” he said.

“It’s one of those we want to try and forget.

“It was a game where we needed to give some of the boys an opportunity and maybe selection wasn’t quite right.

“We really thought we were making progress and heading in the right direction but we fell away.

“It wasn’t so much soul searching after that performance, it was being honest about where we are.

“There has been a changing of the guard at the club and we have got a young squad now.

“We’re looking for the senior boys to help steady the ship and bring more leadership to the team.”

He added: “The break came at a good time for us.

“The boys have been training since June so they needed a break.

“It’s a local derby at home this weekend and everyone is looking forward to it.

“Bargoed will give us a big test and we’re certainly not taking anything for granted.

“Look at their last away game against Newport (Bargoed won 35-14 at Rodney Parade), they really showed there what they can do.

“They are strong up front and have now got some good boys behind.”

Bargoed are sixth, three points above Ebbw.