DROVERS CLAIM LAST-FOUR SPOT
LLANDOVERY reached the semifinals of the WRU Premiership Cup as they took revenge on Pontypridd for a league defeat at the end of last month, writes Huw S Thomas.
The hard-fought victory means Llandovery will meet Aberavon in the last four, with Newport due to face Cardiff in the other semi-final on March 26.
“A great contest between two sides that gave it everything,” said winning coach Euros Evans.
“As opposed to the league game, we kept our shape and discipline for 80 rather than 40 minutes.
“And the entire squad must take credit for a huge defensive effort in the second half.”
It was an enthralling game that would have delighted the late Llandovery stalwart Arwel Davies, whose name was honoured pre-match in the christening of the Teras Arwel Ad-Clad in front of a large crowd of spectators.
The visitors soaked up a lot of early pressure and went behind to a 40-metre penalty by home fly-half
Kristian Jones after Ponty were caught offside in midfield.
Wing Aaron Warren came near to extending the lead as the Drovers continued to have the better of the play and Jones kicked another penalty for a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
A third Jones penalty in the 34th minute put the Drovers further ahead before a penalty by wing Dale Stuckey brought it back to 9-3.
A marvellous try-saving tackle by Warren denied Stuckey a try after a break by full-back Cole Swannack, and Jones then made it 12-3 with his
fourth penalty.
The visitors started to get better possession going into the final quarter, but a crunching tackle by Jones on fly-half Ceri Morris kept Ponty out.
Pontypridd had all the play in the last 10 minutes but the Llandovery defence held out for a fine win.
The Drovers continue their league programme on Thursday when they face Ebbw Vale at Eugene Cross Park (7.30pm).
LLANDOVERY Pens: K Jones (4). PONTYPRIDD Pen: D Stuckey.