Llandovery return to winning ways with an emphatic 35-17 victory over a disappointing Bridgend Ravens side. A game which showed the Drovers’ bounce-back ability and class sees them take 6 crucial points, writes Llandovery’s rugby correspondent Harri Beckwith.
A real game of two halves which saw Drovers come out of the gates early in fierce fashion, scoring 28 points by the break. Bridgend will be disappointed with their performance as Scott Baldwin’s side never looked like threatening a win. Neither side performed to the standard they expect from themselves in the second half, a stark contrast to the first which was a real showcase of the quality in this year’s SRC.
The game started in exciting fashion for the home side, as they looking dangerous and , threatening the Bridgend try-line from the get-go. 5 minutes into the game, Llandovery’s swift attacking play led to George Macdonald, one of the Drovers’ star-players on the night, diving over to give his side an early lead. Ioan Hughes converted, as we have all come to expect after his incredible form thus far this campaign.
Only 4 minutes later, and the hosts were celebrating another try, this time from Scarlets’ Tomi Lewis, picking up his own kick in fortunate fashion after wonderful work from his fullback, Jac Davies, who had beaten a handful of opposition defenders prior to playing the pass to Tomi.
Llandovery looked in total control, and the game looked to be over after only 10 minutes. Bridgend did then start to find their feet in the game, making a few promising plays.
The Ravens’ relentless desire to get back into the game, paired with a slight complacency on Llandovery’s end, who had visibly taken their feet off the gas since their second try, resulted in Scott Baldwin’s side taking advantage and powering over for 5 points through number 8, Thomas Jevons. Unfortunately for the away side, they were unable convert successfully.
Llandovery managed to respond to the Bridgend try magnificently, scoring two tries in quick succession, despite being a man-down following Cameron Lewis’ sin-bin for an illegal clear-out, through man of the match Tiaan Sparrow, taking a 23 point lead into halftime.
The second half started in quick and exciting fashion, Bridgend’s fullback Edd Howley channelling his inner Diego Maradona to elegantly kick the ball through the Drovers’ defence before diving on the ball to score.
Bridgend looked the far stronger team early in the second half, perhaps helped by questionable officiating decisions which really hindered any momentum Llandovery conjured, but the Ravens certainly looked the more likely to score.
Unfortunately for Bridgend, they struggled with discipline, Ben Evans’ yellow card for a clumsy off-ball challenge not helping matters, allowing Kian Abraham to cross unopposed following multiple phases and penalty advantages. This lack of discipline continued, with the Ravens’ replacement Marc Thomas sent off for a comment which was deemed incredibly offensive by the referee.
In the dying minutes of the contest, Bridgend were finally able to break Llandovery’s defence once more, scoring a consolation try and ending the contest 35-17. Too little too late for Baldwin’s side.
Llandovery will be thrilled with the result, taking an important 6 points from the game, following last week’s disheartening result at Ebbw Vale. The Drovers travel to the capital next week to face Cardiff at the Arms Park and will look to make it 5 wins in 6 to finish block 2 of this thrilling SRC season.
Lineups
Llandovery Starting XV (Coach – Euros Evans)
Jamie Hughes, Cameron Lewis, Gabe Hawley, Chris Long, Joe Powell, Griff Evans, Tiaan Sparrow, Osian Davies, George Macdonald, Ioan Hughes, Kian Abraham, Rhodri Jones, Adam Warren, Tomi Lewis, Jac Davies
Replacements
Finn Thomas, Josh Morse, Jac Pritchard, Kai Jones, Jordan Evans, Gryff Watkins, Steffan-Jac Jones, Lee Rees
Bridgend Ravens Starting XV (Coach – Scott Baldwin)
Harry Olding, Tyler Olding, Nathan Evans, Evan Hill, Dylan Burrows, Alfie Thomas, Thomas Jevons, Zac O’Driscoll (C), Harvey Nash, Luke Price, McCauley Rowley, Ben Burnell, Joseph Gatt, Ben Evans, Edd Howley
Replacements
Alex George, Marc Thomas, Owen Hatherill, James Owen, James Richards, Chris Williams, Frazer Jones, Lloyd Wilkins
Tries
Llandovery – George Macdonald, Tomi Lewis, Tiaan Sparrow (2), Kian Abraham
Bridgend Ravens – Thomas Jevons, Edd Howley, Lloyd Wilkins
Conversions
Llandovery – Ioan Hughes (5)
Bridgend Ravens – Ben Burnell
Yellow Cards
Llandovery – Cameron Lewis
Bridgend Ravens – Ben Evans
Red Cards
Bridgend Ravens – Marc Thomas