Carmarthen Quins head coach Emyr Phillips has urged his side to use tonight’s west Wales derby against Llanelli as a stepping stone for the rest of the season.

Quins are currently eighth in the Principality Premiership table and will face a desperate Llanelli side who are currently trapped in the relegation zone. And former Scarlets and Wales hooker Phillips is confident his side will make their mark on the Premiership during the second half of the season.

“We were disappointed when we lost against Llanelli last time out,” he said. ”Most of our players know their players very well so we’re looking forward to Friday.

“We needed a win against Bedwas. We weren’t perfect against Bedwas last time out but it was just nice to get back on the horse and get back to winning ways.

“We lost the first game of the year and automatically people started talking about relegation so it’s been in the back of everyone’s minds all year round. We are in a decent position in the league but we want to continue to climb the table but we are expecting a tough challenge against a Llanelli side who will be desperate to retain their Principality Premiership status.

“There’s a little bit of pressure off us now so hopefully we can play a bit of rugby and climb that table.”

Elsewhere, Merthyr will want to retain their position at the top of the Principality Premiership as the travel to the Brewery Field to face Bridgend.

The Ravens are another side fighting for their top-flight survival with Matt Silva’s side just one position clear of the drop zone. Merthyr will be looking over their shoulders at Cardiff who are a mere four points behind them in second.

The Blue and Blacks face a tricky trip to Cross Keys who are another side with relegation at the back of their minds.  Sixth placed Newport will host Aberavon at Rodney Parade with the aim of pushing towards the top half of the table.

Tonight will also see two clubs who have been hit by financial uncertainty face off at the Gnoll as Neath entertain Pontypridd.

The Welsh All Blacks might be rooted to the foot of the table with very little hope of survival but captain Aaron Bramwell insists they won’t go down without a fight.

He said: “We’re looking up. We’re not resigned to losing every week and going down because if you’re a rugby player you want to win every game you play and that’s what we plan to do.

“We want to push sides all the way and I firmly believe we are heading in the right direction.” Meanwhile, Richard Lancaster’s Swansea face high-flying Ebbw Vale at St Helen’s knowing a win will move them into the top half of the table.

Bedwas will also host Bargoed with the loser facing an uphill battle to retain their Premiership status.

Tonight
Aberavon v Newport (7.15pm)
Bridgend v Merthyr (7.15pm)
Cross Keys v Cardiff (7.15pm)
Llanelli v Carmarthen Quins (7.15pm)
Neath v Pontypridd (7.15pm)
Swansea v Ebbw Vale (7.15pm)
Bedwas v Bargoed (7.15pm)
Saturday
RGC1404 v Llandovery (1pm)

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