Llandovery 20 Bedwas 28

THE Drovers fell to their third defeat in five Premiership games against a very strong all round Bedwas side writes Huw S Thomas.

They slide down into the bottom half of the table in what promises to be the most competitive Premiership season ever.

With a tighter scrum, more consistent line out and more vim and vigour in the loose the visitors were good value for their win.

Llandovery Team Manager Andrew Jones - an ex Barbarian prop – was first to admit the worth of the Bedwas win: "They won the vital contact area, closed us down and allowed our backs the minimum of opportunities."

"They continually knocked us back at the tackle, broke our defensive line too often and off loaded cleverly so we have no complaints," said Jones.

"Bedwas could be the dark horses for honours this year as they are well balanced, physical and have a fine goal-kicker in fly half Richard Powell - do not in any way underestimate them."

Their No 8 Andrew Waite was the stand out forward on the field with his big tackling and heavy carrying causing the Drovers a lot of problems.

That said the game was always tight with Bedwas going into half time just 11-10 up after a try from wing Pat Lewis and two penalties from skipper Powell had trumped a fine try by centre Craig Woodall plus a conversion and penalty from fly half Jack Maynard.

Woodall’s try was fashioned by a clever chip ahead by Maynard with the centre gathering it on the full to shrug off two tackles on his way to the line.

Powell stretched the Bedwas lead to 14-10 before the Drovers scored two outstanding tries mid way through the second half to take a 20-14 lead..

Replacement centre Rhodri Jones cleverly made two tries for wing Aaron Warren.

A fine break was carried on by impressive full back Lee Rees who put Warren in and Jones was soon again in action when a measured kick gave the lanky wing the chance to gather and twist over wide out.

It made the Llandovery win a possibility but decisive Bedwas substitutions and one key one in Dragons hooker Darran Harris - on for Alun Rees - upped the tempo and tries from replacement full back Harley Thompson and prop Dan Preece took the visitors to a precious win.

The pressure will be on the Drovers this week when Cross Keys who are eighth in the table, one ahead of Llandovery are the visitors to Church Bank.