Llandovery claim back-to-back Premiership title wins

They also finished top of the Premiership league table, completing a Triple Crown of triumphs, a feat done only by Pontypridd in the 20-year history of the semi-pro Premiership.

The Drovers won 27 games in 29 league and cup outings, playing with an adventure and ambition that few could match.

There was regret that their inspirational captain Jack Jones was ruled out of the play-off final against Newport after suffering a bad neck injury in the semi-final against Cardiff but his team – under scrum-half Lee Rees - made him proud in a thunderous contest.

Lee Rees captained Drovers for the win (Image: Stuart Ladd)

The best sides in the Premiership, a clear first and second in the table, slugged it out, toe to toe, in a fine finale before a revamped Elite Development Competition takes centre stage next season.

WRU director of rugby Nigel Walker was delighted at what he had seen. “The speed and intensity of the game must be the template for our EDC league,” said Mr Walker.

“Skill levels, fitness and tempo were high and it was a great example of where the semi pro game will benefit the regions.”

“Hats off to both teams, there was little in it with the Llandovery defence magnificent in restricting Newport to the one try.”

The bruising contest had everything to thrill the packed crowd.

Adam Warren scored Llandovery's first try (Image: Stuart Ladd)

There were two tries – one from each side - disallowed by the TMO, a yellow card, a long-range penalty hitting the upright, sweeping attacks, magnificent last-ditch turn overs and scintillating running.

A10th minute try by Newport prop Josh Reynolds, converted by fly half Matt O’Brien was cancelled out by a home score for centre Adam Warren, converted by fly half Ioan Hughes.

If play had been frenetic in the first half, then the second half was bewilderingly frantic.

After a blindside thrust from centre Rhodri Jones - converted by Hughes - had given the Drovers the lead, it was attack and counterattack from all directions.

Warren and Black and Ambers skipper Ben Roach had tries turned down by the TMO but the big Newport pack kept charging to the home line only to be thwarted by some miraculous tackling.

Players and coaches with the trophy (Image: Stuart Ladd)

Llandovery: H Doel, M Page, Adam Warren, R Jones, Aaron Warren; I Hughes, L Rees (capt); J Hughes, T Davies, B Watkins, E Scragg, C Long, J Powell, O Davies, J Powell, S Worrall.

Replacements: D Dallavalle, H Thomas, L Green, N Hart, J Evans, K Abraham, J Maynard, D Land.

Newport: D Richards; L Lewis, C Foster-Smith, J Westwood, E Frewen; M O’Brien, C Hope; J Reynolds, H Palmer, N Evans, R Landman, B Langton-Cryer, J Skinner, B Roach (capt), J Reed.

Replacements: W Langley, T Workman, G Harris, E Ferriman, K Taylor, D Buckland, C Penny, J Morris.