LLANDOVERY claimed an exciting six tries to two win at the Gnoll on Tuesday writes Huw S Thomas.
The Drovers remain in seventh place but still have a few games in hand over all the clubs above them.
Mindful of the 19-5 surprise from the All Blacks earlier in the season, Llandovery were determined to put things right on Saturday.
They were lethargic in the first 40 minutes and trailing the All Blacks 23-7 at the break.
Initially their only points came from a close range effort from loose head prop Jamie Hughes and a conversion by Jack Maynard who made a rare appearance at centre rather than his usual fly half position.
Neath had played with much vim and vigour to get deserved tries, one from a close range line out scored by prop Ryan Thomas and the other by wing James Roberts.
The Roberts try was made by former Drover Mike Evans who weaved his way upfield before sending his fellow wing into the corner
Neath also included another Drover in scrum half Scott Gibson who had a very good game against his old colleagues and was voted Neath Man of the Match by home supporters.
With full back Ed Howley adding both conversions and three penalties, Neath had the upper hand.
It changed dramatically in a second half that saw the Drovers run in five tries through a mixture of slick handling, straight running and fine support.
Skipper and no 8 Richard Brooks started off the come back with a try four minutes after the break and more followed from centre Rhodri Jones and wing Lee Williams.
And although three more Howley penalties kept the Mourners ahead until the 70th minute, a close range effort from hooker Dafydd Hughes try and Maynard conversion put the Drovers ahead 33-32.
Jones finished off the clever approach work with a try which ended with Maynard putting over his fifth conversion ouf of six.
Backs coach Simon Davies: “We were pretty dreadful in the first half and Neath came at us with huge determination to deservedly lead at the break. Some harsh wake-up calls were made at half time and the second half performance was as good as the first half was bad.”
“We cut out the many basic errors, retained the ball better and had enough craft behind the scrum to race in five tries to add to the lone one in the first 40 minutes.”
¦ Llandovery entertain North Wales visitors RGC at Church Bank this Saturday (ko 2.30.pm).