Llandovery 32 Bridgend 0

THE Drovers went to the top of the Premiership on Saturday when they beat Bridgend at Church Bank writes Huw S Thomas.

With Pontypridd, Cross Keys and Newport not in action because of bad weather, Llandovery took advantage by doing the double over Bridgend and grabbing a bonus point with this four tries to nil win.

In treacherously greasy conditions, they struggled to impose their usual fluid game against a dogged defence and it took a brilliant piece of quick thinking by replacement fly half James Davies to claim the valuable bonus point.

With time all but up Llandovery were awarded a penalty far out on the right and with Bridgend expecting to defend a close range line out, Davies thumped the ball 65 metres across field to give lurking wing Aaron Warren the time to stroll over unimpeded.

Coach Simon Davies praised the way the Drovers finished in winning their 10th of 14 league games with two thirds of the season gone.

"Bridgend set us a lot of problems in the first half but we did not help ourselves by trying to play fine weather rugby" said Davies who has joined the club this year from Tata Steeel.

"We changed our focus after the break, drove up through the forwards and kicked more for field position. The boys were a little tired after the tough derby against the Quins on Monday but it was testament to their fitness that they came through strongly in the closing stages."

The score was a little harsh on Bridgend who were watched from the stands by their former international fly half Aled Williams as well as former 1993 British Lions Assistant Coach Dick Best.

They spurned three kickable penalties in the first half in search of tries but as hard as their forwards worked, their backs lacked the pace and creativity to seriously worry the Drovers.

They did restrict Llandovery to the one try from No 8 Richard Brooks at a driven line but let in three after the break.

Outstanding up front for the Drovers in the second half were all action hooker Tom Ball and lock Matthew Harbut along with the back row of Brooks, Shaun Miles and the bullocking Richard Rees.

It was Ball who got the second home try in the third quarter and with fly half Jack Maynard adding a conversion and penalty Llandovery went clear.

Bridgend chased and harried but let in a third try two minutes from time when Brooks got his second close range try, converted by Davies.

The scoring looked over before Davies pulled the rabbit out of the hat to send the Drovers to the top of the new year tree.

Attention switches to the first round of the Swalec Cup this Saturday when the Drovers entertain Cardiff at Church Bank - KO 2.30 pm.