A 78th minute try scored by replacement Craig Thomas made sure of a fifth successive bonus point victory for the Drovers as, having also seen off Pontypool at Church Bank a fortnight earlier, they made it at Gwent double.
Hooker Taylor Davies scored twice in the first half while outside centre Aaron Warren was also on the scoresheet in the second for the Drovers.
Jack Maynard converted three of the four tries as well as kicking a penalty in what was a ninth win from 10 league matches so far this term.
Wing Oli Andrew scored a try in the first half for Newport, which Carwyn Penny improved, but it’s now back-to-back defeats for the Black and Ambers having had their own five-game winning streak ended by Ebbw Vale. This defeat sees them slip from second down to fourth and are now nine points behind Llandovery.
“The score probably didn’t reflect how the game went. We controlled big aspects of that game and big phases throughout the game and, in general, I was quite pleased with the performance, even though we lost,” said Morris
“Credit to Llandovery, their defence held up, we threw quite a bit at them but, when we look back, we probably missed three one-on-one tackles and they were clinical and took their chances. That’s probably why they’re top of the league.”
The win for Llandovery puts some daylight between them and Newport in the table, but head coach Euros Evans was pleased with how his side coped under pressure.
“We had to defend for long periods. Newport kept the ball really well and really tested us defensively,” admitted Evans.
“The biggest positive for us is how we managed to keep them out. They’re a quality team and no doubt about it they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”
Llandovery now turn their attention towards a trip to Swansea on Saturday before back-to-back home clashes with Aberavon in league and cup respectively. Newport, meanwhile, will bid to bounce back against bottom side Neath ahead of a trip to Bridgend.
Morris is currently battling some major injury headaches and was without three second rows, three tight head props and two other options at centre for the trip to Llandovery, as well as once again being without the services of outside half Matt O’Brien, who was on Dragons duty.
“It’s important we don’t underestimate Neath, they’re improving week on week. Then we’ve got a big game on a Thursday against Bridgend, who are very well coached this year and have improved drastically,” added Morris..
“For us , it’s about getting four or five points week in, week out, and trying to stay in that top four. We are probably missing a few starting boys and hopefully we’ll see some of those come back.
“But I’m a big believer in if one door closes, another one opens, so we’re giving opportunities to young lads, like Nick Thomas – who was unbelievable against Llandovery in the second row.
“He may not have got that start if Barny [Langton-Cryer] wasn’t injured for example, so it gives opportunities for other players. It’ll be nice to have a full-strength team going in the new year and then we can really push on.”
Scorers: Llandovery: Tries: T Davies 2, A Warren, C Thomas; Cons: J Maynard 3; Pen: J Maynard. Newport: Try: O Andrew; Con: C Penny
