IT MIGHT prove the survival of the fittest when Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys clash in a Gwent derby at Eugene Cross Park tonight.

The Cross Keys squad has been decimated by injuries while Vale too have a number of walking wounded, making the result difficult to call.

Vale have lost their last four league games and eight of their last nine, a run started with their 25-12 defeat at Keys on December 22.

Keys too have lost their last four (including at Pontypridd in the cup) but at least are in a healthier league position.

"Cross Keys had been playing really well but, like us, have been struggling with injuries in key positions lately," said Vale team manager Alun Harries.

"We need a win and if we can conjure one up from somewhere we could go on to win a few more."

Keys forwards coach Robert Beale commented: "Ebbw Vale's never an easy place to go and in the position we find ourselves in, it will probably be more difficult.

"We have horrendous injury problems with five back row men out (Ben Watkins the latest with a broken nose) and a hooker among others, but at least it gives other players a chance to prove themselves.

"Our results before Christmas have put us in a good position, but we have to look at things and make sure the position we are now in doesn't happen again next season."

Keys borrow blindside flanker Richard East from Risca tonight and are seeking a back five player and hooker on permit while Ebbw Vale hope to borrow a couple of front row men.

Ebbw Vale: J Quirk, K Owen, J Hawker, D Phillips, A Bevan, B Hayward, R Jones; front row from L Williams, D Caswell, D Alexander, L Davies, G Burns, L Murray; G Jones, R Bowen, C Cleaver, M Scudamore, M Griffin. Replacements: AN Other, AN Other, AN Other, M Tuipulotu, J Williams, A McLaughlan, S Headington. Kick-off 7.30pm.

Cross Keys: D Miles, M McKee, L Humphries, D Dark, D Price, G Worgan, G Betts; I George, G Price, D Evans, D Hudd, M Curtis, R East, D Tovey, W Thomas. Replacements: J Price, AN Other, C Gould, AN Other, S Mitchell, R Williams, N Williams.

Pontypool's six-match winning home run in the league (their cup defeat by Bridgend was their only loss at home in nine matches) comes under threat against Carmarthen Quins.

Their visitors have lost just three of their last 15 league and cup encounters and are one of the few teams to have beaten Neath this season.

But their record against Gwent sides (beaten at home by Newport and Bedwas and away at Cross Keys and Ebbw Vale, though Vale later had three points deducted for adopting passive scrums) will encourage coach Steve Jones' side, who are seeking to avenge a 34-0 defeat at Carmarthen.

"They have had some very good results this season," agreed Pontypool team manager Gordon Thomas.

"We believe we are fairly safe now (from relegation) despite Caerphilly's revival and it's fair to say we are now playing towards respectability rather than survival and our aim is to overtake some of the teams above us."

Pontypool leave a wing spot open tonight pending a permit to include former favourite Lenny Woodard from Tonmawr.

Pontypool: D Smith, A Tackel, A Sliczney, N Lewis, AN Other, S Mills, O Jones, N Giles, L Jones, N Blake, M Collins, M Amos, L Burns, A Coombes, C Trayhern. Replacements from rest of squad. Kick-off 7.15pm.

Bedwas host Cardiff hoping to secure one of the two wins they believe are still necessary to maintain their Premier Division status next season.

"We have set our sights on two more wins to be certain of staying up," said coach Steve Law, "but we have some tough games to come.

"We are happier with the way we are playing, we are doing the simple things better and not making so many mistakes, and we can hopefully build on two wins over Ebbw Vale and Cross Keys.

"Cardiff are above us in the league and capable of beating anyone, but it does depend on what personnel they have available."