Principality Premiership

Llandovery 40 Cardiff 0

LLANDOVERY climbed to second in the Premiership with an outstanding win over a disjointed and in the end dispirited Cardiff, writes Huw S Thomas.

The win ensures the Drovers remain in firm contention for a top three play-off place alongside half a dozen other clubs in a season that promises to be the most exciting and open since the start of the league in September 2003.

On a day when the clubhouse was full of Hen Porthmyn - former players reliving the old days in their annual reunion - many thought it one of the best forward displays for a decade.

Dominant up front from first to last under the leadership of hooker Luke Lewis, Llandovery embarrassed Cardiff with the ease of this five tries to nil victory.

The game was won by half time when they had scored four tries – two by Man of the Match No 8 Richard Brooks, a penalty try at a scrum and one from ever alert wing Aaron Warren.

Jack Maynard nosed his side downfield to allow his pack to out-muscle Cardiff in attacking positions and the fly half also kicked all his conversions and a penalty with increasingly calm authority.

In the second half, the pack denied the Blue and Blacks possession with a forward display into the wind that had old timers purring with appreciation.

Coach Euros Evans witnessed a nigh faultless exhibition of wet weather rugby.

“We used the elements to very good effect to go ahead 34-0 at the break but in many ways the second half performance was even better” said Evans.

“We carried hard and rarely spilled a ball into the wind and rain and it was one of our best forward displays for some time.”

No one in the pack had anything other than a fine game with special mention for locks Matthew Harbut and Bryn Griffiths.

The ubiquitous Brooks was the outstanding forward on the field in his 100th appearance for the Drovers, belligerent in attack and aggressive in defence but he was run close for Man of the Match by the locks in front of him.

Harbut had arguably his best game in a Llandovery shirt whilst old fox Griffiths belied his years with a performances full of gusto and knowhow.

Llandovery kept hold of the ball for long periods after the break and then sealed the win against a frustrated and dispirited Cardiff with a late very well taken try from replacement wing Mike Evans.

This Saturday the Drovers play Cross Keys in a top of the table clash at Pandy Park.