BEDWAS fans will switch their allegiances to Pontypridd for 80 minutes this afternoon with the Bridge Field club’s Principality Premiership future hanging in the balance.

Some of the Bedwas faithful and several squad members are set to be among the crowd at Sardis Road as Pontypridd host Bridgend (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Ravens are currently just one point behind Bedwas in the table and two behind Llanelli.

For Bedwas, who have finished their league fixtures, they won’t go down this weekend if Bridgend claim no more than a point against third-placed Pontypridd.

Bedwas hold the upper hand on Bridgend in the event both sides finish the campaign on the same number of points as they have won one match more.

So, if Pontypridd win the game by more than seven points then Bridgend will join Neath, Bargoed and Cross Keys in next season’s Championship.

Bedwas would be given another chance to survive in a play-off with Pontypool at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground on Friday, May 17.

However, should Bridgend pick up two points today then Bedwas are relegated and it will be Llanelli for Pooler – a draw would also relegate Bedwas.

Bedwas’ 28-25 defeat of Swansea last Saturday and Bridgend’s 27-20 loss to Aberavon meant it was another emotional afternoon for Bridge Field head coach Stefan Sankala and his troops.

And he’s ready to go through all those emotions again today.

“It was quite emotional at the end of the Swansea game,” said Sankala. “The boys put in a great shift and I thought we deserved the win, but it got quite nervy towards the end.

“It was a huge relief when the final whistle went.

“Five minutes before that we heard it was 20-20 in Bridgend’s game, so when it came through that Aberavon had scored late on, I was a little bit emotional.

“As well as the win, it was our last home game of the season, and could be our last in the Premiership.”

He added: “I can’t get to Sardis Road, but I know a few of the players are going so I’ll be getting updates and following the match on social media.

“If Ponty win by more than seven then we’ll be in the play-off, and if you’d asked me which side I’d have wanted Bridgend to be playing then it would have been one in the top three.

“I fully expect Bridgend to go there fully loaded with a couple of Ospreys, but it’s a very tough place to go.”