Back-to-back defeats to arch-rivals Carmarthen Quins meant the old year left a bitter taste in the mouths of all Drovers' players, coaches and fans.
It was the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Quins had beaten them home and away in the same campaign.
Now, Llandovery have to go in search of some form of redemption when they welcome Super Rygbi Cymru leaders Ebbw Vale on Saturday (5.15pm kick-off).
The last time The Steelmen visited Church Bank they were beaten out of sight in the SRC Cup final, the Drovers taking the title 39-7.
But since then Jason Strange’s Ebbw team have just got stronger and stronger.
They gained revenge for that defeat by beating Llandovery 29-28 in the SRC Trophy semi-final and were convincing 40-22 victors’ at Eugene Cross Park this term when the teams last met.
“Two weeks ago we were thinking about closing the gap at the top on Ebbw Vale given they had three tough away trips to Pontypool, to us and then Cardiff,” said Evans.
“But then we had a horrendous Christmas with two really poor performances and instead of potentially challenging for the top spot we are now looking to hang on to second. We dug a hole for ourselves against the Quins and couldn’t find a way to get out of it.”
The Quins, who face reigning champions Newport today, won the home derby 27-26 and then the away game 22-12, to stay in touch with the top four.
Ebbw Vale comfortably beat Pontypool in their last outing and now lead by 14 points with a game in hand over the Drovers.
“Ebbw are top of the table for a reason but it is a game that gives us an opportunity to bounce back,” said Evans.
“They tend to do things slightly different to some of the other teams in the league. I’m not sure what their relationship is with the Dragons, but they tend to pick a more settled, slightly older side.
“But you can’t fault them because they are flying at the moment. We have to take confidence from the fact we beat them the last time they came to us.”
Wales loosehead prop Corey Domachowski makes a return to action for Cardiff for their trip to Aberavon.
He hasn’t played since 25 October when he packed down against Edinburgh.
Cardiff also have Tom Bowen in at full back and Steff Emanuel at centre. Wales U19 hooker Tom Howe reverts to the bench.
“We’re coming off the back of two good wins and want to finish off the block with a good performance. We know what game we want to play and it’s about us getting our details right to give ourselves the best opportunity,” said head coach Dan Fish.
The Wizards last won 27-24 at Pontypool on 30 October and have lost six in a row since then. They have dropped to eighth as a result.
Resurgent Swansea, who head into the New Year on the back of a festive double over Aberavon, entertain RGC.
The Whites will be seeking to improve on a recent record that boasts three wins and a draw in their last five games.
