Frosty Night, Flaming Drovers’ Performance. A ferocious performance as the Drovers collect 6 points at home against Pontypool. A great team performance as the forwards and backs both looked in fine form, despite missing many Scarlets academy players. Matching Pooler upfront and out-wide, it was a great performance on a freezing cold night at Church Bank. Written by Cardiff Met sports media student, Seán Richards.
It’s been three weeks since the last game for the Drovers, but they still had the same focus as they scored 5 minutes in, courtesy of Kian Abraham. A set-piece special from the Drovers saw them pierce through the Pooler defence and set up Kian Abraham, who juggled the ball to finish it off following a lineout 40 meters out. This was converted by Jack Maynard, who took the kicking duties tonight, and a record of 100% off the boot showed why.
Following this, the Drovers stayed on the front foot, winning a great penalty at the scrum which was an area they were dominant throughout the match. Despite early pressure, Dragons youngster, Harri Ford, converted a penalty for Pontypool, sending the game to 7-3.
A Carrick McDonough break in the 21st minute was just short in the corner, as an unreal last-ditch effort by Aaron Warren wasn’t enough to prevent the following phase where
Pooler took a 3 point lead through a try from Captain Morgan Allen, following some exceptional work by McDonough, who was a bright spark for Pooler, electric throughout and always looked dangerous. A powerful Morgan Allen, often so strong upfront, used brute force to break over the line.
Llandovery responded well to Pontypool’s score, with Harry Holden breaking through multiple tackles before powering over to score. Jack Maynard converted and the Drovers were ahead by 4.
The points didn’t stop there, as Maynard, who had 8/8 kicks tonight, also added two penalties before half-time, sending the teams in for the break.
On his first appearance of the season, Harry Holden again showed his power as he drove over the line from close range. Not as much of a distance as his first of the night, but a powerful drive in a more forwards fashion was his second. This extended the lead to 27-10, with half an hour still to play.
Dragons youngster, Ryan Jones, showcased great footballing skills for Pontypool, as he dribbled the ball the length of the field. As the Pooler fans got excited, Kian Abraham slid for the ball just before the line, preventing a Pooler try miraculously.
Scott Mathews then saw yellow for hands in the ruck, which proved costly for Pontypool. A driving maul from the Drovers allowed hooker Cameron Lewis to fall over the line, extending the lead to 32-10 in the 60th minute.
Whilst it is Pontypool who famously sing about their strong front row, it was the Drovers fans who roared with delight at an excellent upfront performance.
Both teams continued to utilise their packs, and a driving maul try came for Pooler as they battled back into the game. Aneurin James was at the back of the maul to finish, and the extras were added by Kieran Meek, making the score 34-17 with just over 10 minutes to play.
Pooler continued battling, and the ever-present Ryan Jones found himself on the end of a long looping pass in the corner to score. A great kick out wide from Meek gave Pontypool the extras, and they were now only 10 points behind the Drovers.
As hope returned for Pooler, a moment of magic by replacement scrum-half George MacDonald put Kian Abraham in for his second of the night, and Llandovery’s fifth. Great defensive work by MacDonald saw him rip the ball from the Pontypool player, followed by a brilliant “out-the-back-door” pass that puzzled the scrambling defence. This was the final nail in the coffin for Pooler, as the Drovers extended the lead to 41-24 with only three minutes to go. Jack Maynard finished his excellent night with a penalty as the final whistle went.
A 5-star performance, and 6 points for the Drovers on an ever-so-cold night at Church Bank. Friday night rugby returns next week as Llandovery face Aberavon at home, where the hosts will look to continue on from this game.