Principality Premiership

Cardiff 11 Llandovery 18

Llandovery kept up their fine away record at Cardiff Arms Park with yet another win, writes Tom Stephens

The Drovers last lost in Cardiff back in 2009 and were again good value for their win against a Blue and Blacks side that was predictable and unambitious.

Losing Cardiff coach Simon King had controversially stated before the game that Llandovery should be “where they belong - near the bottom part of the table” - but had to eat his words after seeing his side lose out to the Drovers.

Cardiff ‘s hopes of reaching a play-off spot were severely dented by a hard-working Llandovery pack, well led by flanker and skipper Phil Day and a more alert back division orchestrated by scrum half Rhodri Davies.

Despite an early try from wing Harry Davies, the Black and Blues could never get a grip on the game and Llandovery hit them hard with a brace of tries from ever dangerous ex-Swansea wing Richard Williams, one of which was converted by fly half James Garland

Up 12-5 at half time, Llandovery kept their noses ahead with Garland and Cardiff fly half Dean Gunter swapping penalties.

Garland sealed the win with a smart drop goal late on which was answered all to late at the death by a Gunter penalty.

“That was an important win for us” said Drovers coach Lyndon Lewis.

“We are not in contention for the League title but are still in the quarter finals of the Swalec Cup and a there is still a lot to play for”

“After the unexpected heavy defeat at Pontypridd and a very close game at Cross Keys where we were unlucky to get nothing we needed a good performance and it is always great to rack up a win at the Arms Park.”

Llandovery were boosted by the return of Phil Day and scrum half Rhodri Davies and proved the better of two sides that are still not playing to their potential.

Day’s leadership in defence was inspirational, his line speed a shining example to his supporting forwards while Crymych product Davies was a bundle of energy and enthusiasm at the base of the scrum.

“We have a very tough home game now with Bedwas on Friday night and will be looking for a good result to give us a fillip for the cup tie with Ponty on March 28,” said Lewis.

“There’s plenty to play for.”