AS Ebbw Vale prepare for their last game of the season at St Helen's tomorrow night, forwards coach Will Thomas has expressed his delight at securing the services of key front row figures for the next campaign.

Tightheads Marc Jones and Anthony Lott and hooker Richard Wilkes and Mathew Williams have committed to the Eugene Cross Park outfit for the next term, along with lock Matthew Griffin, wing Andrew Bevan and utility back Aaron Bramwell.

The battle for the number three shirt has been one of the fiercest in the Vale ranks this term with both Jones and Lott impressing when given the chance.

The duo ensured that the Vale scrummage hasn't suffered after the departure of Kristian Gay to London Welsh, who is reported to be Cardiff-bound, and Thomas is delighted that his summer won't be spent looking for replacements.

"You can usually find looseheads quite easily but tightheads can be a problem," said Thomas. "The pair of them have been brilliant and luckily we have got them sorted for next season.

"They have both fitted in really well and not just in terms of performance on the field. They don't tend to get the recognition that other positions might on the pitch but they have been hugely important for us.

"And we are really pleased to get Wilkesy on board. I know he was disappointed (missing out on a Dragons contract) and we thought he might head over to England.

"But he likes it here and was keen to stay in the Premiership, so we are spoilt for choice at hooker and we have the luxury of being to pick our hooker according to the game.

"Wilkesy is the best scrummaging hooker I have ever played with and Chunky's (Williams) throwing in is terrific."

Vale go head-to-head with a Swansea side that have won their last 11 Premiership games on the bounce but a win at St Helen's could potentially mean runners-up spot for the second season on the spin.

Thomas said: "Swansea have always seemed to start the season badly and then go on a run at the end, but not on this scale.

"It will be a tough game but we got a good win last weekend (against Cross Keys) and go there in confident mood."

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlan, J Lewis, K Owen, A Bramwell, S Hunt, B Shlebourne, G Williams, D Watchurst, R Wilkes, A Lott, W Thomas, M Griffin, N Aiono, R Jenkins, J Bowd. Replacements: A Bevan, G Roberts, R Lewis, M Williams, M Jones, J Thomas, J McPhail.