Llandovery U16s 21 Builth U16s 5
THE Drovers Under 16s outplayed a shell shocked Builth team in the first half hour in laying the foundations for a convincing three-try-to-one win.
The home side put in a strong team performance, with all six substitutes sharing in the action, and the squad can be proud of both their attacking guile and their defensive commitment.
With forwards and backs blending well Llandovery’s first try was touched down by Gruff-Madoc Jones. Ryan Williams successfully slotted the conversion.
The Bulls began to apply pressure but despite this it was the Drovers who came away with the next points. This second try resulted from a bold counter attack after an outstanding defensive spell, with Garan Williams covering the length of the pitch for the score, namesake Ryan again converting.
Shortly afterwards Ryan Williams converted his own try to take Llandovery into a 21 – 0 halftime lead.
In the second half Builth successfully adapted their tactics to more of a kicking game, giving the Drovers back three of Harri Doel, Owain Rowlands and Harri Thomas plenty of work. Although Llandovery were not to add further to their points they did respond well to the new tactics, frequently running the ball back at the Bulls.
Builth scored a minute from the end of play but in the end the margin of three tries to one was a fair reward for the Drovers’ combination of first half incisiveness and second half resilience.