After a promising midweek display at Pontypridd, albeit in defeat, Bridgend went into the game in a positive frame of mind. But in a nightmare first half, the Ravens shipped 31 points, a deficit from which they never recovered.
The second half offered a lot more promise, with Bridgend crashing over for three tries, Jamie Murphy and Owen Howe among the scorers, but the game had already been lost.
Bridgend had actually dominated the early stages of the game but turned down a number of kickable penalties, instead opting for the corner. A try failed to arrive though and Llandovery struck on the counter attack with Rhodri Williams scoring under the posts. The conversion was added by Ian Brooks.
It was very much a possession game and with each side exchanging kicks, Bridgend wasted further chances through Scott Hicks and Aaron Jarvis. And they were made to pay with Llewellyn Jones scoring for the Drovers, Brooks again adding the extra two.
There were positives for Bridgend with their scrum surging forward to earn a number of penalties. However, Brooks kicked Llandovery further ahead, with worse yet to come for the Ravens.
The home side added two late first half scores to take the game even further away from Ben Rose’s men. Aaron Warren scored after a long hack up field, before another counter attacking score, this time from skipper Phil Day, put the Drovers out of sight.
With the game gone, Bridgend improved in the second period. Jac Hopkins and Ross Jones both went close before some lovely build up play saw full back Murphy cross under the posts. Jack Dixon slotted the conversion but the jubilation did not last long. Another long hack up field was not dealt with by Bridgend and Matt Jacobs managed to squeeze over to the delight of the home fans.
In a see-saw second half, Bridgend were next on the board. Adam Williams and youngster Howe added quick fire scores to give Bridgend hope of a four try bonus point with injury time looming.
Llandovery had the final say though, Sam Soul putting the tie beyond doubt with a late score.
