Drovers pip Wizards in another cracker
LLANDOVERY might not be able to win any silverware this season, but they have turned into the great entertainers in the Indigo Group Premiership.
In four games against the Wizards they have won three by no more than one score and lost another by a single point. As their coach Euros Evans admitted after another pulsating triumph over Jason Hyatt’s men, he would gladly have given up the three wins for victory in the WRU Premiership Cup semi-final.
“Every game against Aberavon this season has been a thriller. We are very evenly matched,” said Evans. “Sometimes it is hard to watch my players because they get so excited about playing an open style. It worked for us in the end and it is the style they want to play.
“They were gutted when it was decided there would be no playoffs to decide the title winners. It was a decision they couldn’t really understand.”
Still smarting from their 24-23 defeat in the cup semi-final two weeks ago, the Drovers established a 19-0 lead, went behind 28-24, before finishing with a fine head of steam to win by five tries to four.
Leading the way was wing Aaron Warren, who helped himself to a hat-trick. That took him to six league tries for the season.
A clever kick from Llandovery flyhalf James Garland set up a strong attacking position and a patient build-up ended with Warren going over wide out for his first score.
A yellow card for flanker Lee Purnell put Aberavon under pressure and they were lucky to keep out close-range attacks until centre Rhodri Jones burst through on a finely angled run for Llandovery’s second try, converted by Garland.
The Drovers went further ahead with another Warren effort before the Wizards at last scored when flanker Lloyd Evans followed up his own kick for an opportunist score converted by Edwards.
On the stroke of half-time a strong home scrum eventually forged a try for No 8 Andy Waite, converted by Edwards to leave it 19-14 to Llandovery at the break.
Clever inter-passing brought Warren his hat-trick and a bonus point for his side.
Aberavon hit back via replacement hooker Luke Davies, who crashed over for a converted try. With the home forwards carrying well, a bullocking effort from No 8 Andrew Waite and a Rhys Edwards conversion put them 28-24 up.
Llandovery looked done and dusted and defended for their lives as the Wizards ramped up the intensity. But prompted by effervescent scrum-half Lee Rees, the Drovers refused to lie down.
They swept upfield and got the decisive try from replacement flanker Jordan Evans to end the best of games in great style. Aberavon — Tries: A Waite (2), L Evans, L Davies. Cons: D Edwards (4).
Llandovery — Tries: A Warren (3), R Jones, J Evans. Cons: J Garland (2).