Not only was it ample revenge for their SWALEC Cup defeat by the Drovers last season at Eugene Cross Park, but it proved that Jason Strange’s side can match the top teams in the Premiership following their return to the top flight as the winners of the SWALEC Championship.
The home side were 18-5 adrift at one stage, but worked their way back into the contest and took full advantage of the three yellow cards that were handed out to the visitors. They picked up a penalty try on their way to a bonus point and held their nerve, and breath, as Llandovery scored a try in the dying seconds by replacement Sam Soul.
The wide angled conversion would have won the game, but it drifted wide and the Steelmen took the victory. Wes Cunliffe, Ronnie Kynes and Ashley Sweet scored their tries and Ian Smerdon kicked two penalties and two conversions.
Llandovery started brightly with an interception try from Lee Rees and then picked up a penalty try of their own. James Garland kept the scoreboard ticking over with four penalties and two conversions, but the vital conversion of Soul’s try drifted wide.
It was business as usual for the reigning champions Pontypridd as they romped their way to a 38-7 home win over Neath. They ran in six tries, two from wing Aled Summerhill, and Simon Humberstone chipped in with four conversions.
James Cory-Redden scored two of Cross Keys’ five tries in their 33-18, bonus point victory over Aberavon at the Talbot Athletic Ground, while Chris Banfield crossed for two of Carmarthen Quins’ five tries in their 44-10 home win over Newport.
Hooker Rhodri Clancy, prop Javan Sebastian and replacement Gavin Thomas scored the tries as the Quins moved from a 16-0 lead to 30-3. Dan Jones chipped in with 15 points from the boot and Craig Evans also kicked two conversions.
Cardiff new boy George Watkins showed off his paces as he snapped a try hat-trick in a convincing 52-27 home win over Bridgend. Tom Slater, Nick White, Shaun Powell, Matt Marley and William Rees-Hole were the other try scorers for the home side.
The Blue and Blacks led 26-10 at the break, but the Ravens battled all the way to the end and picked up tries from back row man Zach O’Driscoll, Ashleigh James and Marc Thomas. Luke Price kicked 10 points and Ross Jones added another conversion.
The game between Bedwas and Llanelli kicks-off on Sunday afternoon.
