Drovers on fire as Tonmawr are crushed (From South Wales Guardian)

Drovers on fire as Tonmawr are crushed

6:30am Thursday 5th April 2012 in Sport

Principality Premiership Tonmawr 31 Llandovery 62 THIRD-PLACED Drovers kept in touch with Neath and Aberavon in recording a facile win over struggling Tonmawr, writes Huw S Thomas.

They move on to 74 points just one point behind the two Ospreys clubs with three games left to play – Carmarthen Quins and Swansea at home, Pontypridd away.

Despite fielding a weakened side, Llandovery were always in control, running in nine tries.

The game was over by half-time when Llandovery had run in six tries, to lead 43-17.

Lock and skipper Shaun Jones was the king of the lineout, fly half James Garland was a good link man and the threat of full back Lee Rees, the Warren brothers – centre Adam and wing Aaron – and centre Paul Davies bode ill for the village side.

Centre Adam Warren (two), Jones, wings Aaron Warren and Mike Evans plus fly half Garland had established a 43-3 lead.

But Tonmawr refused to close up the game and their adventurous approach was rewarded with two excellent tries – from Scott Hicks and the second by centre Steff Andrews, both converted by fly half Luke Richards who had earlier kicked a penalty.

After the break, Tonmawr held out until the last quarter when Garland and prop Dean Howells crossed for Llandovery.

Garland went off, to be replaced by Cerith Rees, after being responsible for 25 points and crossing the 100-point mark for the club.

He and Rees are now joint top scorers with 117 points apiece.

But never say die Tonmawr refused to capitulate and in a blitz of late scoring both centre Steve Winn and the elusive Andrews sandwiched a brilliant solo effort from Aaron Warren to close out a hugely entertaining free for all All roads lead to Church Bank this Easter Saturday where a bumper crowd will see third-placed Llandovery host fourth placed Quins in a game (KO 2 30pm) that will have a huge influence on qualification for the Premiership play-offs.