Defiant Drovers showed their unwavering resilience as they mount an unlikely comeback from a 19-point halftime deficit to win 22-19 against last year’s champions, Newport, writes Llandovery’s rugby correspondent Harri Beckwith.
Llandovery got off to an early lead as Jack Maynard kicked the hosts 3 points ahead following multiple Newport offsides which the ref had penalised. Jack comes into the game on fine form from the tee. The kicking game was pivotal at the beginning of the game, and nobody showed their ability with the boot quite like Drovers’ fly-half Ioan Hughes, who was often able to find gaps in behind the Newport backfield to relieve pressure for the hosts, however this changed as the game continued with Newport’s kicking game dominating throughout the early stages.
The kicking game continued into the game and was most apparent when Newport’s Harrison James kicked a Newport penalty into touch in a great attacking position. Newport were able to form a fantastic maul from the resulting lineout, which was finished by their hooker, Wade Langley, for the visitors’ first points of the afternoon. Centre Harrison James then converted and Newport were ahead by 4.
As we passed the 20th minute mark, Llandovery’s lack of discipline continued, a problem they have suffered from numerous times this SRC campaign, giving away multiple penalties, eventually leading to Osian Davies seeing yellow and 10 minutes off the field.
Newport continued to pressure the Drovers’ try line, and a ball held up on the line saved the hosts from a larger deficit. It was, however, only a matter of time until Newport would capitalise, and in the 31st minute, Wade Langley scored his second of the game, making the most of what was now a 2 man advantage after Evan Sheldon had joined Osian Davies in the bin minutes earlier.
As the halftime whistle approached, Newport tapped a quick penalty which resulted in Noah Morgan flying over in the corner to extend the Black and Ambers’ lead. Fortunately for the hosts, Harrison James was unable to convert, but still had a mountain to climb in the second 40.
The second half started with great early pressure from Llandovery, making use of penalty advantages to play swift rugby through the hands, before attacking through the phases brilliantly on the Newport try line. Llandovery’s patience and pressure resulted in Evan Sheldon powering over and getting Llandovery back into the game. The extras were added by Maynard.
The game continued in very cagey and exceptionally exciting fashion. Penalties conceded, fantastic runs, and many “nearly” moments.
In the second half, Llandovery showed their home supporters why they are a serious title contender with a sensational show of rugby. A powerful run through multiple defenders by Josh Morse, who released the ball to Lee Rees, who, on contact played a cheeky kick into the corner which bounced perfectly into the arms of Kian Abraham who finished superbly for the try of the game. Maynard was unable to convert, but Llandovery were back and fighting hard.
The Llandovery onslaught continued shortly after and they were able to take the lead through Josh Morse, who once again showed his power, bulldozing through the Black and Amber defenders to score. Maynard converted from close range to put the Drovers ahead by 3 points and complete what looked to be an unlikely comeback at half time.
As the full time whistle approached, the anxiety in the air was palpable. Both teams attacked and defended well. In the final minutes of the game, Newport put everything they had into crossing the line for the win, but Llandovery were able to cut them down at every hurdle. During the last play, Newport neared the try line and things looked as though they might have edged over, until the ball was dropped on the edge of victory. Relief. Heartbreak. Joy. All and any emotions surrounded both the field and the stands. Llandovery held on for victory and 3 wins in as many games in this second block.
The Drovers will look to convert their fine home form of recent weeks into away wins as they face Swansea and Carmarthen away from home in the coming weeks which will both prove to be huge tests for Euros Evans’ men, and look to be great showcases of Welsh rugby.
Lineups
Llandovery Starting XV (Head Coach – Euros Evans)
Jamie Hughes, Cameron Lewis, Gabe Hawley, Joe Powell, Harry Holden, Evan Sheldon, Tiaan Sparrow, Osian Davies, Lee Rees, Ioan Hughes, Kian Abraham, Rhodri Jones, Adam Warren, Ned Bennett, Jack Maynard
Replacements
Finn Thomas, Josh Morse, Berian Watkins, Stuart Worrall, Jordan Evans, Kai Jones, Corey Baldwin, George Macdonald
Newport Starting XV (Head Coach – Tyron Morris)
Harry Fry, Wade Langley, Garin Harris, Josh Skinner, Cerrig Smith, Hunter Ward, Josh Reid, Ben Roach (C), Dafydd Buckland, Carwyn Penny, Noah Morgan, Harrison James, Chay Foster-Smith, Fin Baker, Morgan Williams
Replacements
Henry Palmer, Tom Workman, Ollie Drake, Callum Bradbury, Kobi Rees, Tiehi Chatham, Lucas Welch, Tom Hoppe
Tries
Llandovery – Evan Sheldon, Kian Abraham, Josh Morse
Newport – Wade Langley (2), Noah Morgan
Conversions
Llandovery – Jack Maynard (2)
Newport – Harrison James (2)
Penalties
Llandovery – Jack Maynard
Yellow Cards
Llandovery – Osian Davies, Evan Sheldon