LLANDOVERY’S Euros Evans has been named Principality Premiership Coach of the season after guiding the club to the most successful campaign in its 135 year history.
The Drovers won the Fosters National Sevens for the second consecutive year, beat Carmarthen Quins 25-18 to capture the Swalec Cup and finished second in the league table, behind Pontypridd.
Not only did former Swansea and Dunvant hooker take the Coach award but saw two of his players get awards.
Scrum half Rhodri Davies finished runner up to Ebbw Vale skipper Damien Hudd as Player of the Season whilst fly half Jack Maynard ended up Top Points Scorer with 150 points, miles clear of Aberavon’s James Garland, a former Drover.
Llandovery officials were naturally delighted with the accolade given to Coach Evans who took over as Head Coach at Church Bank when Lyndon Lewos left the club a year ago.
Outgoing Chairman Handel Davies said: "Euros masterminded Coleg Sir Gar to numerous school/colleges titles over recent years and following his promotion to Head Coach at the Drovers at the beginning of the season, he has wasted no time at all in repaying the Board Of Directors’ faith in his appointment.
"He has great communication and man management skills and is meticulous in his match preparations and I sincerely believe, if given the opportunity, he is destined to become a future regional coach."
His words were echoed by club secretary Robin Barlow who considered that: "Euros is an outstanding coach who has ensured that Llandovery play an entertaining, attacking game which people really enjoy watching, whilst still maintaining an excellent playing record. He is respected by all the players, not only for his coaching expertise, but also for his integrity."
New club chairman Peter Rees stressed his value to the club: "Llandovery RFC is very fortunate to have someone of his calibre and commitment to lead our coaching team. His focus on player development over the years has certainly paid dividends and truly reflects the ethos of the club."
The last word was with outgoing President Phil Davies: "I think everyone knew our discipline the season before was atrocious and had cost us games.
"During the first half of the internal trial game back in August, Euros stopped the game, exasperated by the lack of discipline from the players who were once again in yellow card country far too much for his liking.
"Normally a quiet and soft spoken man. who rarely raises his voice, he called in the players and tore a strip off each and every one of them for their lack of discipline with the threat that they would not be part of his plans if this went on.”
The point was taken and the yellow cards count tumbled. The team gave away fewer penalties under the influence of the Evans appointed defence coach Gareth Potter and ended up second in the table with the best defensive record of any Premiership club