The SRC Cup is heading east as a late maul try from Kyle Tayler made Newport triumphant. The Drovers denied the retention of the cup but a performance to be proud of against strong opposition in Newport. Written by Seán Richards, Cardiff Met sports media student.
A first win in five meetings with Llandovery for the black and ambers, came at the right time. Two teams separated by three points in the league is always going to be a thriller, as it went down to the wire just like their semi final encounters.
Learning from last week, the Drovers took points early as Hughes slotted a penalty in front of the posts. This was just before Morgan Williams crossed the line for the black and ambers. Chasing his own kick, Williams regathered in time to charge through the Drovers defenders. Lloyd converted to put the scores at 3-7 to Newport ten minutes in.
Llandovery were soon to reply with a try through Llien Morgan. An initial break from Kian Abraham saw him just short, but staying calm and running the phases allowed Llien Morgan to cross with ease in the corner. A long pass by Hughes with the advantage brought the try, before he added to the scoreline as he converted to give a 10-7 lead.
Lee Rees placed a clever kick to the corner that bounced in Kian Abraham’s favour chasing who offloaded for Harri Doel to dive over. Smart rugby by the drovers, as a frantic first quarter saw the Drovers leading 17-7 as Hughes converted again.
Newport battled hard to get over the line again through Henry Palmer. The Drovers defended well but couldn’t keep Palmer out as he squeezed over the line. Phases built up and the try was coming as the Drovers couldn’t hold out long enough. Jac Lloyd converted to be within three points 14-17.
No more action for the half though, as the teams make the long walk to the changing rooms with Llandovery just in front 14-17. A frantic half as expected by the occasion, but it was anyone’s game at half time in the Capital.
Newport started the second half in control with an opportunity for points denied and Llandovery stole at the lineout. Their momentum was later rewarded as Josh Skinner went over with ease. Alert to the overlap, Harrison James slings it out wide to meet Skinner’s hands for a simple finish. With the conversion successful by Lloyd, they took the lead 17-21.
Llandovery replied as Llien Morgan got his second as some fast hands found Morgan out wide to finish. A very tough conversion wasn’t successful by Ioan Hughes as the Drovers edged by a point 22-21.
Growing back into the game after Newport’s dominant spell as they looked to be the team controlling the tempo. Hughes slotted another penalty extending to a 25-21 lead.
Newport didn’t leave this last long as a strong driving maul late on powered Kyle Tayler over the line. Agonising for the Drovers as they started shifting the momentum, but there was no stopping that maul with almost a full Newport fifteen involved. Lloyd converted to make it 28-25, before Newport kicked the ball into touch moments later to seal victory.
Heartbreak for Llandovery as they fell victim to a late defeat a week after they handed one out last week to get to the final. Despite the result, it was an outstanding advocate for SRC rugby from both sides including the semi finals. A run to be proud of for Llandovery with marginally close games in the semi final and the final. Topping the group undefeated with six points in each apart from the one cancelled game.
Llandovery Starting XV Coach – Euros Evans)
Jamie Hughes, Cam Lewis, Berian Watkins, Griff Evans, Joe Powell, Osian Davies, Stuart Worrall, Evan Sheldon, Lee Rees (C), Ioan Hughes, Llien Morgan, Rhodri Jones, Corey Baldwin, Harri Doel, Kian Abraham.
Replacements
Harry Thomas, Tom Phillips, Gabe Hawley, Harry Holden, Tiaan Sparrow, Adam Warren, Jack Maynard, George Macdonald.
Newport Starting XV (Coach – Tyron Morris)
Tom Devine, Henry Palmer, Garin Harris, Josh Skinner, Callum Bradbury, Hunter Ward, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach Captain, Dafydd Buckland, Jac Lloyd, Morgan Williams, Harrison James, Harri Ackerman, Oli Andrew, Carwyn Penny.
Replacements
Wade Langley, Harry Fry, Ollie Drake, Ioan Rhys Davies, Josh Reid, Tiger Chatham, Lucus Welch, Tom Hoppe.
Tries
Llandovery – Llien Morgan x 2, Harri Doel
Newport – Morgan Williams, Henry Palmer, Josh Skinner, Kyle Tayler.
Conversions
Llandovery – Ioan Hughes x 2
Newport – Jac Lloyd x 4
Penalties
Llandovery – Ioan Hughes x 2