Having been promoted from the SSE SWALEC Championship last season, Ebbw have earned home advantage in the play-off after finishing the league in second place. A win on Saturday would see the Blaenau Gwent side play Pontypridd in the Principality Premiership Final on Sunday week at Sardis Road (4pm), but Strange insists they must not be overwhelmed by the occasion and stick to the principles that have served them well so far this season.
“It’s been another terrific season for us, we are so pleased for the players and supporters, it’s the culmination of five years of hard work.
“We’ve earned the home game having sustained our place in the top three all season, so hopefully we can take advantage of that on Saturday evening.”
The majority of the Ebbw Vale squad has stayed together following the club’s promotion last season and Strange insists it’s key that the players enjoy the moment on the weekend.
“For us, it’s about continuing to do what we’ve done well all season. We are an attack-minded team and it’s important the players play with a smile on their faces on Saturday. While it’s important for any team to build a good forward platform, we are a well-rounded team and the players know they have the freedom to express themselves.
“We have been playing well recently which has given us confidence, we are one of the best try counts in the league and our defence has really improved too. It’s pleasing we have done this with most of the squad that has eben with us for five years..
“We respect Cross Keys and know it will be a tough challenge, but we certainly have nothing to fear.
“It is all set up to be a great game. It’s fantastic that we have two Gwent teams out of the three still in the hunt for the title. We know what Cross Keys’ strengths and weaknesses are and I’m sure there will be a fine margin between the sides on Saturday. It will come down to who executes best and who deals best with the pressure on the day.”
The Principality Premiership Play-Off (Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys, Eugene Cross Park, Saturday 9 May, 7pm) and the Principality Premiership Final (Sardis Road, Sunday 17 May, 4pm) will both be shown on S4C.
