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Parker leads Ponty to statement win

Parker leads Ponty to statement win

What a difference a week makes! The Drovers were rampant at Merthyr a week ago, yet found themselves overpowered by the Ponty pack back at Church Bank as they fell to a 34-18 defeat.

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In a game that was a dress-rehearsal for the upcoming WRU Premiership Cup quarter-final in Llandovery on 12 March, Ponty more than laid down a marker to win the game and the psychological battle.

Having scored six tries in their 43-36 win on the all-weather surface at The Wern the previous weekend, the home side were largely kept in check as the visitors dominated the collisions and completed a decisive win with a late try to clinch a thoroughly deserved win.

All the rugby in the first half was played by the Drovers, but they only led 15-14 at the break after Ponty had snatched two tries against the run of play.

Llandovery were soon ahead when full back Tomi Lewis finished off a break by centre Rhodri Jones but Ponty replied in style when a clever kick from ever busy wing Dale Stuckey fashioned a try for centre Ceri Morris, outside half Jake Lloyd adding the conversion.

Play was fast and furious and a close range line out set up a try for home hooker Jamie Cox only for the visitors to hit back when full back Cole Swannack finished off a rare counter attack. Lloyd added the extras.

A yellow card for Ponty skipper Kristian Parker proved costly as Drovers lock Joe Powell slipped through to regain the lead for Llandovery. Play was more akin to seven-a-side as the home side attacked from everywhere and Lewis missed out on another try because of a forward pass.

Lloyd missed an ambitious penalty to leave Llandovery ahead at the break 15-14. A Jones penalty was cancelled out by one form Lloyd before Stuckey intercepted a wayward pass to race in from 40 metres, Lloyd converting for a 24-18 lead.

Ponty had their tails up and Lloyd added another penalty after his pack had swarmed up field. From there on the Ponty forwards kept possession and won the contact area hands down.

They clinched the bonus point when Parker made up for his earlier yellow card by crashed over wide out. Dale Stuckey kicked the touch line conversion to complete a big win.

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