EBBW Vale suffered defeat in their final game of the season when edged out 11-7 by Bridgend at Eugene Cross Park on Wednesday night.

The Steelmen were hoping to give tighthead Rob Sevenoaks and full-back Dan Haymond winning send-offs before retirement.

However, it was the Ravens that took the spoils thanks to a try by wing Joe Gatt and six points by Paul Short.

Joe Thomas scored a try late on for Ebbw, converted by Evan Lloyd, but there was no drama at the death.

The Steelmen, who face a summer of rebuilding under Jason Strange, finished with only Llanelli beneath them in the table with three wins and eight defeats.

Newport, fresh from winning the Premiership Cup, finish at Carmarthen Quins on Sunday.

Ty Morris' side are aiming to avoid a hat-trick of league defeats after losses to RGC and Merthyr that put Cardiff in control of the title race.

The Blue and Blacks will secure top spot if they beat Merthyr at the Arms Park this evening.

Meanwhile, the Championship title rivals face key games on the road on Saturday afternoon.

Bargoed slipped up at Ystrad Rhondda last time out to give Pontypool a sniff.

The Bulls, who suffered an agonising Championship Cup loss to Neath, aim to respond at Maesteg Quins.

Pooler, five points back and with a game in hand, travel to Cardiff Met.