While Steve Law’s Blue & Blacks are chasing a league and cup double, the Drovers are heading to the Welsh capital seeking the biggest prize in the club’s 145 year history. The last time they won a trophy in Cardiff, the aftermath became a bit hazy.
“For Llandovery, we are yet to win the league, although I have experienced winning the Welsh Cup a few years back. That was for the players, the coaches, and also the whole community,” recalled Maynard.
“We partied for a good week afterwards and during that time we realised how big it was for everyone in Llandovery. We’ve prepared well, we’ve got a fit squad and we’re in good stead.”
Maynard, now 28, was at outside half back in 2016 when the Drovers beat Carmarthen Quins in the cup final. This weekend he will be at full back, where he will also be charged with the goalkicking duties.
He kicked eight points in the 16-13 home win over Merthyr in the semi-final and has notched 233 In 25 games to date this season. Playing at the Arms Park will be like a home from home for him.
“Home advantage will help Cardiff, but the way we like to play the game is suited to their plastic pitch. We are excited to have the opportunity to play at the Arms Park,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.
“We’ve got a number of buses lined-up to take our fan to Cardiff and the town will be empty on Sunday. Winning the cup twice in the past was memorable, but to win the league would be the club’s greatest achievement.”
While Cardiff will go into the game as slight favourites having beaten Newport in the cup final at Principality Stadium, and then again in the semi-final after topping the league, they will know their last game of the season will be their toughest yet.
Evans’ side were the first team to beat Cardiff this season when they won a Premiership Cup pool match 19-16 at Church Bank. That came 35 days after they had been pipped 29-26 at the Arms Park in the first league meeting in a game in which the lead changed hands five times.
They then put Law’s men to the sword in the return league fixture in Llandovery on 2 March, winning 37-20. They led the table during the season and finished second overall in the end.
Llandovery: Jack Maynard; Harri Doel, Adam Warren, Rhodri Jones, Aaron Warren; Ioan Hughes, Lee Rees; Jamie Hughes, Dafydd Hughes, Berian Watkins, Jack Jones (captain), Griff Evans, Osian Davies, Stuart Worrall, Iestyn Rees
Reps: Ricky Guest, Dino Dallavalle, Geraint James, Joseff Powell, Lloyd Pike, Rhodri Wall, Kristian Jones, Dafydd Land
