Campaign Sport

Tougher to take the next step

By Chris Kirwan

12:00pm Friday 3rd September 2010

THE task of climbing out of Division One East has become even tougher for the 12 sides that start their campaigns this weekend.

Last week the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed that the play-off system for promotion to the Premiership has changed.

Previously it was just the champions from Division One East and West that locked horns, providing they had passed the criteria test.

But now they will be pooled with a north Walian club and the bottom-placed Premiership outfit in a knockout tournament.

It is like the final barrier in their path being raised from a 110metre hurdle up to Becher’s Brook because the top flight side have a huge advantage in terms of budget and quality and depth of squad.

Nonetheless, Gwent’s three teams are not even thinking about play-offs and are instead focusing on getting off to winning starts.

Ebbw Vale’s chronic try-scoring problem led to relegation from the Premiership last season and new head coach Neil Edwards has stressed the importance of bouncing back at the first attempt.

They host Llanharan at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow on the back of friendly wins over Mountain Ash and Carmarthen Athletic and a disappointing performance against former Premiership foes Bedwas.

“We have had two excellent displays in pre-season and one where the boys choked a bit if we are honest,” said Edwards, who has appointed lock Damien Hudd as his captain.

“They have worked hard and are getting on well as a new group. They have stood shoulder to shoulder in some pretty physical moments which bodes well.

“We have a tough first month (with Bargoed, Newbridge and Blackwood next up) but a good start will put us in a great position.”

The Steelmen will, however, be without back-row forward John Bowd for the entire campaign because the ex-skipper has torn his hamstring off his pelvis.

Newbridge also have a new coaching team and new forwards chief Andrew Gibbs will be looking to get off to a winning start against Gilfach Goch.

“Pre-season has been good and we feel we have a quality squad with strength in depth,” he said.

“Promotion is at the back of our minds and most players in this division want to test themselves at Premiership level.

“But there are quite a few hurdles in our way so first and foremost we are just looking to play some good rugby and to bring young players through.

“It is a tough first fixture against a newly-promoted side but we are at home and want to get off to a good start.”

Blackwood have been one of the top sides in the division in recent years but have suffered a number of departures.

They start away at Treorchy, who sneaked into second place in Division Two East last season to win promotion.

Other Division One East fixtures: Beddau v Bedlinog, Merthyr v Bargoed, Rumney v Ystrad Rhondda.

• Email this page