In a repeat of last season’s final, the Drovers turned a 6-6 interval stalemate into their fourth successive win of the season to lead the table by eight points having played one more game than nearest rivals Ebbw Vale.
A tight opening 40 minutes saw Harrison James keep the Blue & Blacks in contention with two penalties, while hone full back Jack Maynard responded with two of his own against one of his former clubs.
The two kickers took the score up to 9-9 after the break before Maynard edged Llandovery ahead with his fourth success of the night. Already suffering from injuries, suspension and non-availability of academy players, Cardiff’s weakened side fell away in the final quarter as the champions ran in three tries.
Former Wales centre Adam Warren grabbed the first, lock Nathan Hart crashed over for the second and replacement scrum half Gabe McDonald raced over from the third to complete a good night’s work for the home side. Wales U20 outside half Harri Wilde added a consolation penalty for the visitors 10 minutes from time.
Today’s games see all three Gwent clubs having home matches and Pontypool director of rugby Leighton Jones can’t wait to see his back in action at Pontypool Park when they welcome Carmarthen Quins.
After back-to-back trips to the Talbot Athletic Ground to face Aberavon in the league and then the WRU Premiership Cup, Pooler return to their own fortress to try to continue the form that has seen them consolidate in seventh place after their promotion to the top-flight this summer.
“We’ve had Newport away and Aberavon away twice. That’s three away games in real tough places and only one at home,” said Jones.
“We have a belief that we can go to these places and get a win. Two wins from four has been a solid start.
“These teams generally don’t get turned over at home. It’s not where we want to be but, when you look at the bigger picture and from where we have had to come from, it’s quite pleasing to have something to build on.
“We had the cup run last year and it was brilliant for the players, the management, the owners and the supporters. That day was something we would have liked to have done again this season, so we’re disappointed.”
But if the league is the bread-and-butter for most clubs over the course of the season, then the game against the Quins will be far more important. The Quins are two places and two points below Pooler in the table, so a home win would put clear daylight between the two clubs.
Newport will be looking to launch a major recovery when they welcome Swansea to Newport Stadium after their cup exit at the hand of Cardiff last weekend. In a repeat of the 2023 cup final, the Black & Ambers went down 38-15.
“There was plenty to reflect on last weekend and we need to bounce back against Swansea. We know it is not going to be an easy task and we need to show a great sense of urgency and desire.”
Well placed in the league after two successive bonus-point wins over Pontypool and RGC, Ty Morris will be hoping the Arms Park result was just a blip as he targets a hat-trick of wins.
Ebbw Vale make it a trio of home games for the Gwent clubs with their clash against RGC at Eugene Cross Park. Currently lying second in the league, the Steelmen went safely through into the second round of the cup last weekend with a routine victory over Neath at The Gnoll.
The power of the pack that has been built by Jason Strange, and schooled by Aaron Coundley, was once again evident in the 40-18 win last weekend. They picked up another penalty try from close range to add to the three line-out maul tries they bagged against Cardiff in their big win at the Arms Park.
Bridgend’s home clash with Merthyr has been postponed due to concerns over the fitness of a number of front row players in the visiting ranks. A new date will now be set for the game, while in the other game Neath will welcome Pontypridd to The Gnoll for a game which will see both sides chasing their first win.
