Drovers aiming to maintain fine start
LLANDOVERY are targeting a place in the Premiership Cup final after their unbeaten start to the season.
The Drovers have been in scintillating form during the first three rounds of the competition as they sit second in the western conference, a mere two points behind leaders Aberavon. And Llandovery head coach Euros Evans insists his players are motivated by the prospect of the Premiership Cup final being played at the Principality Stadium.
“At the end of the day there is a place in a final at Principality Stadium there for the teams which make it and that is a motivation,” said Evans.
“We have had a good start to the competition. Although the situation of the league isn’t ideal, there is something to play for and there is jeopardy which makes it interesting.
“We have put a lot of value on doing well in this tournament. Our pre-season was hard for a variety of reasons and the boys have said it has taken them longer to recover from games because they didn’t play for so long due to Covid-19.
“It has been a different and long pre-season, but we have hit the ground running which is really pleasing. I think we will get better from here, but so will all the other teams.”
Llandovery will be overwhelming favourites when they welcome Bridgend to Church Bank today. It will be a special day for two Bridgend players with Chris John, and Dafi Davies set to make their 50th appearance for the Ravens.
Table-toppers Aberavon face a tricky away fixture against a dangerous Carmarthen Quins outfit. Jason Hyatt’s side include a number of professional level players including former Ospreys and Leicester Tigers centre Joe Thomas.
In what has historically been a spicy affair, Swansea host arch-rivals Llanelli at St Helen’s.
Both sides have struggled badly for form in the first three rounds and occupy the bottom two spots of the western conference.
In the eastern conference Newport will be hopeful of continuing their fine start to the season as they host Merthyr at Newport Stadium. Premiership big spenders Merthyr have endured a shaky start to the season but have the quality within their ranks to turn things around.
RGC 1404 are winless so far this season despite improving from week to week, but Ceri Jones’ side face a stern challenge in Colwyn Bay today against an in-form Ebbw Vale outfit. Cardiff hosted arch-rivals Pontypridd at the Arms Park last night.
In the Championship Cup Bargoed host Ystrad Rhondda, Glamorgan Wanderers travel to Maesteg Harlequins, and Narberth take on Neath.