Corey Baldwin red card puts Llandovery at a huge disadvantage which sees Ebbw Vale run rampant, putting 6 tries past the Drovers for a bonus point victory to take them to the top of the SRC table, writes Llandovery’s rugby correspondent Harri Beckwith.
Corey Baldwin’s 48th minute red card changed the game completely for both sides in this top-of-the-table clash in Ebbw Vale. Ahead by 8 points, and looking to score more, the Drover’s outside centre had a moment of madness, stamping on the head of Ebbw Vale’s full-back Evan Lloyd. Whilst the stamp may not have been intentional, with Baldwin seeming instantly remorseful at the prospect of stamping on the head of Lloyd, his former Dragons teammate, the ref was certain in his decision, and the momentum shifted instantly. Ebbw Vale went on to score 26 unanswered points following Baldwin’s dismissal.
Llandovery started the game in electric fashion, something which has not often been the case this season. Ioan Hughes continued where he left off, providing a 3 point lead from the tee after Ebbw gave away a penalty, something that would become a regular occurrence throughout the game.
Ebbw began to grow into the game soon after, scoring through a huge driving maul, which Llandovery just could not handle. Ieuan Morris providing the 5 points and converted by Dorian Jones. Ebbw seemed to grow in confidence from their try and started attacking more frequently, but were not able to make the most of their chances due to Llandovery’s strong defence.
Lee Rees was the Drovers’ standout player throughout the game, the side’s captain controlled their play and demonstrated exquisite passing to help them regain the momentum midway through the first half.
A lack of defensive discipline from the hosts gave Llandovery multiple penalty advantages leading to tries from Rhodri Jones and Tomi Lewis in quick succession, Ioan Hughes converting once. Lewis’ try in particular showed the beautifully fluid attacking play that the Drovers are capable of and they looked in control.
Ebbw Vale proved why they are many people’s title favourites this year, showing a great mentality and resilience, capitalising on Llandovery’s poor kick-chase and unorganised defensive shape following Lee Rees’ unusually substandard clearance kick. The hosts played swiftly through the phases and Ewan Bowden ran through into the corner to bring his team back into the contest. Dorian Jones subsequently slotted home his conversion, taking Ebbw into halftime with only a point separating the two sides at 14-15.
Llandovery started the second half as they did the first, and had two early chances to extend their lead, but they were unable to apply the finishing touch. Ebbw looked uncomfortable and gave away one penalty after the another, eventually earning try scorer Ieuan Morris a yellow card. Taking full advantage of the situation, Tiaan Sparrow was able to power over and the game looked like Llandovery’s to lose.
Baldwin’s red card changed the game completely as mentioned before, sparking new life into the Ebbw Vale players, and they made sure to exploit their man-advantage as much as possible. Llandovery looked lost, shaky, and seemed to lose all the confidence that they had built up to this point. Drovers’ coach Euros Evans later saying, “it changed the game, and unfortunately we didn’t answer well, losing our shape”.
Charlie Manship scored Ebbw’s first try under their newly gifted advantage, charging over from another driving maul. Brilliant tries from Dom Franchi and Ethan Phillips helped take the game completely away from Llandovery and they could now only fight for a losing bonus point.
With both teams aiming for bonus points in the dying minutes of the game, Ebbw’s destructive driving maul proved too much once again for Llandovery and Ieuan Morris grabbed his second of what was an incredibly eventful game for the hooker, who is now the leading try scorer in the league.
Llandovery’s first loss of the season on what can only be described as a very disappointing night for the Drovers, who showed character throughout and flashes of brilliance in parts but were unable to materialise anything substantial in the end, missing out on the losing bonus point. They will look to bounce back on Thursday in their home clash against Bridgend next week.
Lineups
Llandovery Starting XV (Coach – Euros Evans)
Josh Morse, Cameron Lewis, Gabe Hawley, Chris Long, Dylan Alford, Griff Evans, Jordan Evans, Joe Powell, Lee Rees (C), Ioan Hughes, Aaron Warren, Rhodri Jones, Corey Baldwin, Tomi Lewis, Jac Davies
Replacements
Finn Thomas, Jamie Hughes, Berian Watkins, Kai Jones, Tiaan Sparrow, Adam Warren, Jack Maynard, George Macdonald
Ebbw Vale Starting XV (Coach – Jason Strange)
Luke Garnett, Ieuan Morris, Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Jack Pope, Sion Parry, Owen Conquer, Rory Harries, Dorian Jones, Ewan Bowden, Cam Davies, Ethan Phillips (C), Dafydd Thomas, Evan Lloyd
Replacements
Charlie Manship, Adam Court, Morgan Bosanko, Alfred Bateman Lloyd, Lewis Young, Dan Buffery, Dylan Edwards, Dom Franchi
Tries
Ebbw Vale – Ieuan Morris (2), Ewan Bowden, Charlie Manship, Dom Franchi, Ethan Phillips
Llandovery – Rhodri Jones, Tomi Lewis, Tiaan Sparrow
Conversions
Ebbw Vale – Dorian Jones (4)
Llandovery – Ioan Hughes (2)
Penalties
Llandovery – Ioan Hughes
Yellow Cards
Ebbw Vale – Ieuan Morris
Red Cards
Llandovery – Corey Baldwin