The newly re-formed Llandovery Second XV started off their season with a narrow defeat at Cefneithin. Playing their first game for two years, they pushed the Gwendraeth Valley club all the way before letting a half time 10-7 lead slip from their grasp.

Coach Marc de Marigny – a former South Africa Sevens captain – was delighted with the performance. “We faced a useful Cefn side that contained a lot of first team players and gave them a real run for their money,” said the former Drovers back-row.

“We are getting a good turnout in training, the boys are super keen and committed and all augurs well for the season ahead,” added de Marigny.

The side will play in the Scarlets One League alongside Ferryside, Carmarthen Druids, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn, Tumble and Pontyberem and according to Team Manager Dai Thomas are relishing the challenge.

“After two years of inactivity there is a re-found enthusiasm from local players who are returning to Church Bank from other clubs,” said the former Llandovery prop. “And it was great to see local boys such as our vastly experienced props Mansell Morgan and Ceri Davies and flanker Alvin Phillips pulling on their boots again and putting so much effort into the game.”

“Llandovery born and bred Celfyn Davies is doing a grand job in leading the side and everyone is very excited again,” added Thomas.

Fly half Davies, who has had spells with Llandeilo and Brecon, converted a try from hooker Joel Williams and put over a drop goal to put the Drovers 10-7 up at the break and although he added another conversion of a try by wing Joe Morgan, Cefn finished the stronger to claim the spoils.

Two first half tries by Alvin Phillips and Joey Morgan were converted by Drovers’ captain Celfyn Davies to give the Llandovery team a 14-5 lead at half time.

After the break, led by some barn storming runs by vice captain Gareth Davies and some great physical play and running by Joey Morgan, the team took their chances to build on their first half performance.

Some great tactical kicking by Celfyn and Bradley Davies kept the visitors on the front foot and the team did fantastically well in the deteriorating conditions as the rain started to come down.

A second try for Joey Morgan and a touchdown by Chris Owen, with one conversion by Celfyn Davies, took the score to 26-5.

Crymych continued to press but the Llandovery team showed great pride and discipline towards the end of the game, with some fantastic defence. Special mention should be made of Gareth ‘Pwd’ Morgan and Rhodri ‘Uganda’ Davies who were always at hand to foil the Crymych attacks and deny the home side any points in the second half.

Coach Marc de Marigny was very pleased with his team’s display. “This was a great team performance for us to build on as we prepare for our next game, a league match at home against Ferryside, next weekend 29/10/16. We look forward to some great vocal touchline support”.