The Drovers’ brave effort to top Pool D fell just short, but at least gave them some sort of revenge for losing 29-26 in their league clash at the Arms Park last month.
To make the last four, the Drovers needed to beat Cardiff with a bonus point and also stop the Blue & Blacks from not only scoring four tries but also stop them getting a losing bonus point. It was a feat they all but pulled off, but that vital fourth try eluded them in a full-blooded Cup tie
Llandovery started with a real bang, constant pressure ending with fullback Jack Maynard sending former Worcester Warriors wing Harri Doel over with a well weighted long pass. Cardiff wing Dewi Cross was then yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, and hooker Craig Thomas got a second home try, converted by Maynard, after a close-range line out surge from his pack.
Cardiff fly half Harrison James hit the post with a 35 metre penalty but a few minutes later full back Dan Fish dummied through to cross at the posts to give James an easy conversion. Llandovery responded but found the defence a very hard nut to crack to leave them just 12-7 ahead at the break.
The strong wind at their backs, Cardiff were soon on attack, two James penalties giving them the lead, before the Drovers had an excellent patch without being able to get the vital breakthrough. Then, a close-range line out worked in replacement hooker Ricky Guest for a third home try, converted by Maynard.
Another James penalty made it 19-16 with 12 minutes to go with Llandovery needing a try to go through to the last four but it was not to be as the Blue and Blacks ended on attack to dash home hopes.
Scorers: Llandovery: Tries: H Doel, C Thomas, R Guest; Cons: J Maynard 2. Cardiff: Try: D Fish; Con: H James; Pens: H James 3
