The Drovers came into the game having won both of their opening games while Bridgend won their opening tie against Llanelli before slumping to defeat at Cross Keys last time out.
The Ravens started the game on the back foot, with Scott Hicks earning valuable turnover ball as Llandovery looked certain to score. With Bridgend now in possession, Kyle Barrett sent a kick long clear and the chase from Glen Lewis almost resulted in the opening score of the game.
The first try came after 12 minutes as a loose kick from Bridgend full back Ashley Evans saw Shaun Miles run in near the posts. Cerith Rees added the extras.
With Llandovery now well on top, the Bridgend defence held tight through a series of attacks, with Ashley Evans, Nathan Edwards and Ken Dowding making vital contributions.
The Ravens came more into the game as a chip ahead from winger Glen Lewis almost resulted in the leveling of the scores. However, they didn’t have to wait long. A short lineout by hooker Matt Dwyer completely fooled the Llandovery pack and Lloyd Peers was able to power over from close range. Ben Thomas added an excellent conversion from out wide.
Following the restart, Llandovery attacked relentlessly with an infringement at the ruck allowing Rees to restore the home side’s lead.
Llandovery spread the ball along the line form the restart and the flowing backs move was finished by winger Chris Knight.
The Ravens were dealt a double blow with captain Jonathon Vaughan replaced by Arthur Ellis who himself was making his own comeback from a long term injury.
With minutes left of the half, the away side were made to defend and did so with some success, although an infringement by Scott Hicks allowed Rees to stretch the lead to 11 points as the half time whistle loomed.
Bridgend returned to the field a totally different side and with their first prolonged period of possession, Ben Thomas was able to release his exciting outside backs. Nathan Edwards, Andrew Waite and Ben himself all made good breaks but to no avail.
With the wasteful Ravens spurning numerous opportunities, it was down to Llandovery’s Lee Rees to teach them a lesson in finishing, running in a fantastic try for Llandovery.
The Drovers showed the confidence their start to the season has given them and they spread the ball relentlessly before a close range move was finished off by Tom Ball as they clinched the bonus point.
With their tails up, Llandovery continued to attack and scrum half Rhodri Williams scored another for the home side to put the result well beyond doubt.
The full time whistle loomed, and as Llandovery searched for further scores, Jamie Murphy intercepted a loose pass and ran the length of the pitch to score a consolation for Bridgend. Thomas hit the post with the conversion from wide out and Jonathan Mason blew for full time, with the league leaders’ comfortable winners.
