Pontypool finally sought revenge on the Drovers for knocking them out of the SRC Trophy at
the death just over a month ago. A thrilling encounter in the last fixture which didn’t
disappoint this time with a high scoring end-to-end match was destined in the penultimate
league game of the season. Written by Cardiff Met sports media student Seán Richards.
The Drovers conceded forty points for a second consecutive week, as Pontypool finished up
at home with a long awaited win and a first of the year in the league. A common game of two
halves for Llandovery, a common theme this season as a second half performance caused
defeat. Many positives for the Drovers to take from this despite the scoreline, with some
excellent rugby keeping the ball alive in the first half earned a bonus point before the break.
A first appearance in the opposition twenty two for the Drovers was rewarded with a try by
Dan Gemine. Mauling towards the line, the blindside flanker broke off with the ball to power
over the line. Conversion by Jack Maynard was successful, earning a 0-7 lead ten minutes
into the match. A solid early start was rewarded for the Drovers, as a defensive effort was
successful, stealing every time in their own twenty two in the opening stages.
Only six minutes later Llandovery crossed again through Aaron Warren. Clearly trying to
keep the ball alive were the Drovers, patient play allowed a well placed pass over the top for
Aaron Warren to breeze over the line. A challenging conversion for Maynard sailed wide, but
Llandovery held a 0-12 lead.
Resilient work saw Aaron Warren get his second straight after from kick off. Remaining the
mentality of keeping the ball in play, the Drovers did it from end to end. Llien Morgan found
an initial break from a spectacular offload by Adam Warren, and burst through before his
opposite winger Aaron Warren had a simple finish for try number three after some smooth
passing.
Dealing out a taste of their own medicine were Pontypool with one of their own tries from
kick off. Carrick McDonough regathered the restart and the ball worked its way wide to Ioan
Duggan to cross near the posts. Pontypool’s captain Kieran Meek converted with ease to
reduce the deficit to 7-17, still in favour of the visitors.
Cam Lewis, who started the move with a rare kick and chase by the hooker, found his way
over from some training ground trickery by the Drovers pack. From the resulting lineout, a
simple lineout move allowed Cam Lewis to squeeze through next to the touchline. Maynard
was able to convert from all the way out wide, securing a 7-24 in the first half hour at
Pontypool Park.
Despite some excellent defence by the Drovers in the half, Lance Randall in the second row
for Pontypool was able to drive over on the brink of half time. Captain Meek had no problems
from the tee reducing the deficit to ten points again at 14-24. Drovers’ discipline was costly
as captain Lee Rees was shown a yellow card during the build up. This score remained until
the players went down the steps and Llandovery headed down with a try bonus point
already.
Lee Rees returned to the field with a bang, as his constant pressure and tempo saw Sam
Scarfe receive a yellow card for repeated offences. Despite the handful of penalties given
away by the home side, Llandovery couldn’t capitalise on the man advantage and gave
away a crossing penalty under the posts early in the second half.
Pontypool opened up the scoring in the second half with a try from Ellis Davies, who was an
early replacement in the match for Ewan Rosser who picked up a knock very early on.
Wriggling his way through the Drovers’ defence and reaching out to score, Davies had done
enough to get over the line. Meek converted coolly, and the scores were now within three
points at 21-24 just under sixty minutes in.
The famous Pontypool front row, assisted by the backs, produced a huge heave that saw
Sam Scarfe cross after ten minutes in the sin bin and gain the lead for the first time in the
match. Meek converted again and gave his side a 28-24 lead. A much improved second half
with the scrum dominating for Tom Hancock’s men.
Scott Matthews was next to score for the hosts as he crossed a third try of the second half in
less than thirty minutes. The pressure was relentless from Pooler, as they came out a
different side in the second half. Meek missed his first conversion of the evening, but it was
Pontypool leading with ten minutes to go at 33-24.
Showing no signs of stopping Ellis Lewis broke through the line to run in a sixth try for the
home side. A bottom of the league position not reflected by the performance as Meek fixes
from the boot to add the extras and lead 40-24 in the last few minutes. The Drovers,
frustrated, saw a penalty awarded from the kick off with some choice words said.
The Drovers battled until the end, but came up short as Ellis Davies intercepted at the death
and thumped the ball into the stands for full time. The final whistle blew with the scores at
40-24 saw a shock result at Pontypool Park looking at the league standings of both sides. A
weakened second half performance is what proved costly for the Drovers in the second half.
Llandovery Starting XV (Coach – Euros Evans)
Jamie Hughes, Cameron Lewis, Gabe Hawley, Harry Holden, Joe Powell, Dan Gemine,
Cerith Davies, Evan Sheldon, Lee Rees (c), Jack Maynard, Aaron Warren, Adam Warren,
Kian Abraham, Llien Morgan, Harri Doel.
Replacements
Finn Thomas, Tom Phillips, Berian Watkins, Cai Howell, Kai Jones, Gryff Watkins,
Steffan-Jac Jones, Lucca Setaro.
Pontypool Starting XV (Coach – Tom Hancock)
Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Sam Scarfe, Kelvyn Williams, Lance Randall, Liam Antrobus, Dan
Hill, Callum Davies, Scott Matthews, Ellis Lewis, Kieran Meek (C), Carrick McDonough, Joel
Mahoney, Marcus Jones, Ioan Duggan, Ewan Rosser.
Replacements
Aneurin James, Nathan Davies, Kyan Best, Joe Davies, Mike Herbert, Logan Franklin,
Amosa Nove, Ellis Davies.
Tries
Pontypool – Ioan Duggan, Lance Randall, Ellis Davies, Sam Scarfe, Scott Mathews, Ellis
Lewis.
Llandovery – Dan Gemine, Aaron Warren x 2, Cam Lewis.
Conversions
Pontypool – Keiran Meek x 5
Llandovery – Jack Maynard x 2
Yellow Cards
Pontypool – Sam Scarfe.
Llandovery – Lee Rees.