Drovers Take the Spoils in Top of the Table Clash
The Steelmen narrowly lost to the Drovers in a physical hard-fought top of the table clash at Church Bank on Saturday by 17 -15.
Playing against the elements in the first half, the Steelmen dominated territory and possession but were unable to turn their dominance into points on the scoreboard, leading by only 3-0 from an Evan Lloyd penalty after 25 minutes.
The Drovers then scored two tries through a close-range effort by Hooker Craig Thomas and a penalty try following an illegal tackle by full back Morgan Richards on winger Adam Warren as the first half came to its conclusion to give Llandovery a 14 points to 3 lead at half time.
Half Time Score
Llandovery RFC 14 Ebbw Vale RFC 3
Despite the half time score, the Steelmen, playing with the elements, were confident of overturning the half time deficit. However the first points of the 2nd half were to come from Llandovery kicker Jack Maynard to extend the Drover’s lead to 14 points (17-3)
The Steelmen started to get a foothold in the game again putting pressure on the Drovers team upfront through scrum and driving maul. After 51 minutes, Jason Strange made his first change with Harry Drane replacing Adam Court in the front row. The Steelmen were soon awarded a penalty try of their own after Llandovery collapsed a driving maul before Dylan Bartlett also crashed over the line to make the score 17 -15. Evan Lloyd was unable to add the conversion to make the scores level.
Further changes for the Steelmen were Luke Garrett replacing Morgan Davies and Cameron Regan coming onto the field of Ewan McIntyre after 58 minutes and Ryan Jenkins and Ieuan Morris replacing Alex Howes and Joe Franchi for the final 10 minutes.
The Steelmen continued to pile on the pressure in the Drover’s half and were awarded successive penalties which unfortunately kicker Evan Lloyd was unable to send through the uprights to give the Steelmen the lead.
The Drovers were able to hold on for victory with the Steelmen picking up a bonus point for their efforts.
Full Time Score
Llandovery RFC 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 15
Scorers:
Tries: Dylan Bartlett, Penalty Try
Pens Evan Lloyd
Both league games between the Drovers and the Steelmen have been close, physical encounters this season with each side winning one game. The sides will meet again at the start of March at Aberavon in the Premiership Cup Semi-Finals
The Steelmen will be back in action on Saturday 27th January when we entertain Neath RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.
