Drovers come unstuck as Warlow exits role in style

NEWPORT came from behind to beat high-flying Llandovery and give departing head coach Craig Warlow the perfect send-off.

The former Dragons fly-half is stepping down but bowed out in style with a bonus-point win.

“It was nice to go out on a high and with a good performance as well,” said Warlow.

“Any win against a team like Llandovery is merited. We played some really good stuff and it was good to pit our wits against a team like that.

“The club moves on. It’s in a good position on and off the field and I’m looking forward to relaxing and trying something different.”

It didn’t start well after Aaron Warren’s 20th try of the season gave Llandovery a dream start.

But Matt O’Brien got the hosts back on level terms with a try that saw him reach the milestone of 750 points for the club.

The Drovers didn’t read Warlow’s script and took the lead for the second time with prop Jamie Hughes crashing overs, and they held that lead at half-time.

The second half sparked to life when home prop Dan Preece and Llandovery replacement Richard Brooks were both sent to the sinbin, but Newport dealt with the absence better.

They found their free-flowing rhythm and sent centre Chay Smith over in his final appearance for the club for a quickfire double after a dazzling spell of quick passing.

O’Brien added both conversions.

Brooks hauled the Drovers back into the contest, but the game belonged to Newport, and winger Jon Morris sealed the bonus point with a late try.

Dino Dallavalle and Tom Lucas added late tries for both sides.

Llandovery’s final game of the season is on Saturday when they host Aberavon.

The Drovers, who are still in contention to finish second in the Premiership, will pass the 100-point mark for the campaign if they just pick up even a bonus point.