Principality Premiership

Llandovery 22 Llanelli 32

The Drovers had enough chances to win a rousing Scarlets region derby but despite huge pressure on the Llanelli line in the second half, they only managed the one try to Llanelli’s four, writes Huw S Thomas

The late score from Richard Catchpole was nothing short of sensational as the 6’4”, 17 stone lock skipped through from 15 metres with side steps that would have been the envy of Phil Bennett himself.

The try converted by James Garland, who ended up with 17 points – a feat emulated by Llanelli centre Frazier Climo, brought the Drovers to 25-22.

In a hectic finale, Llandovery went for the win and tried to run ball from their own line only to lose possession and let flanker Lewis Rawlins crash through for a killer converted try.

Llandovery’s two internationals – scrum-half Rhodri Williams and centre Adam Warren - were prominent throughout but the Llanelli defence in which the back row of Rawlins, Craig Price and Owain Morgan were outstanding produced a fine defensive performance.

Llandovery coach Lyndon Lewis was not a happy man, flummoxed by some of referee Sean Brickell’s decisions.

“We could have won that game but we did not have the rub of the green and to be penalised so many times when in sight of the Llanelli line was a mystery.”

The most contentious decision came at the start of the second half when Llandovery trailed 20-12 but were on constant attack

Tries from Johnny Lewis and Climo, who added 10 points with the boot, had bettered four Garland penalties in a tight first half but the Drovers swarmed to attack as soon as the second half started.

Full back Lee Rees slashed through the Llanelli midfield and his delicate chip ahead was scooped up by wing Richard Williams who dived over in the corner.

A thumbs up from the touch judge was accompanied by the appropriate roar from the home crowd only for the referee to rule the slightest of knock-ons and overrule his assistant

Garland brought the Drovers to 20-15 with a penalty, before Llanelli wing Kyle Evans and Catchpole swapped tries to make it 25-22 as tension built.

Llandovery looked the more dangerous but when they risked a long-range attack, they lost possession and it gave Rawlins the chance to drive over for a fourth and bonus-point try.

It also deprived the Drovers of a consolation losing bonus point that they really very much deserved on the run of play.

Attention turns to the first round of the Swalec Cup this Saturday when old friends and rivals Narberth are the visitors to Church Bank (KO 2.30pm).