Sheldon the try hero in annual clash
LLANDOVERY defeated Nant Conway 17-12 in a pre-season clash at Church Bank, writes Huw S Thomas.
The annual game, played in memory of former Llandovery and Nant Conwy centre Emrys Evans, saw a Drovers development XV pushed all the way by their visitors from North Wales.
Evans, a product of the Nant Conwy club, moved south to play a total of 87 games for the Drovers between 1997 and 2007 and he was in the matchday squad on the day Llandovery won the 2007 Konica Minolta Cup.
He returned to Nant Conwy after his stint with the Drovers and played for the Llanwrst-based club until his untimely death, aged 40, in a car accident in March 2017.
Saturday’s game was surprisingly competitive for a pre-season friendly, even if Llandovery did not have any first-team regulars on view and Nant fielded a mixture of first and second-team players..
The only score in the opening period was a home try by Ilan Phillips, converted by co-centre Griff Morgan.
The North Walians hit back after the break with a bullocking try from lock Caradoc Hughes, but two minutes later outstanding No. 8 Evan Sheldon crossed to take Llandovery 12-5 ahead.
After intense pressure on the home line, Nant drew level with a penalty try for a collapsed maul.
But the last word went to the Drovers when the ever-present Sheldon again forced his way over for the winning score.
“There was a lot of talent on view, some yet to fully develop and others ready to make a challenge for inclusion into our Premiership squad,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.
“We will be keeping a close eye on them wherever they might play in the season ahead and hope to give them some game time in the Premiership.”
Two former Ospreys academy players in Ystalyfera full-back Kian Abraham and scrum-half Ben Thomas made telling contributions, as did Pembroke No. 8 Sheldon.
Former Llandovery College captain Dylan Jones also appeared sharp after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, while prop Lewys Walsh looked a promising prospect.
Llandovery are due to face Pontypool in another preseason clash on August 13, then Cinderford a week later.
They get their Premiership campaign up and running on September 3 when they make the short trip to Carmarthen Quins for their opening derby of the season.