By David Williams
Llandovery head coach Euros Evans has praised his side for finding a way to win after their 33-26 weekend triumph at Aberavon in Super Rygbi Cymru took them up to fifth place.
The Drovers held firm and eventually went on to seal a third straight victory following up on their win at Newport and the six-point home success against Swansea. The hat-trick of wins followed three defeats on the spin before that.
“Newport was the catalyst really. It was a great result up there and desperately needed,” said Evans.
“We’ve backed it up with two decent wins; 11 points from a possible 12 in the last two games is a nice way for us to end what has been a challenging block.
“Against Aberavon we were in control but then we got the yellow cards, and Aberavon took advantage of that. We had to regroup and find a way to win the game, and we were really pleased with the way the boys got over the line.”
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Tries from centre Rhodri Jones and full-back Ellis Mee, both converted by Ioan Hughes, put the Drovers 14-0 inside the opening 15 minutes.
Aberavon hit back through full-back Scott Delnevo, converted by Ed Dunford, and then pulled level a minute before the break after being awarded a penalty try.
Either side of that the visitors lost lock Morgan Jones and prop Jamie Hughes to the sin bin in quick succession although they still had their noses in front 19-14 at the pause after skipper Lee Rees scored their third try right on half time.
Aberavon then took the lead after two tries following the re-start; first through hooker Luke Davies, converted by Dunford, on 48 minutes and then four minutes later centre Joe Gage was over. The extras were missed but the Wizards now led 26-19.
The scores were level again on 66 minutes with outside half Hughes scoring and then converting himself and the decisive try arrived on 76 minutes and was scored by right wing Jac Davies, converted by Hughes.
Hooker Ieuan Morris came off the bench to settle matters for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins with his stunning second half hat-trick completing a 39-11 victory.
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The Steelmen’s driving maul once again proved unstoppable as they powered to another six-point triumph on the road.
Morris replaced skipper Joe Franchi just moments after the latter had scored Ebbw’s second try on 58 minutes. That came after they had awarded a penalty try after the re-start. Evan Lloyd kicked three conversions and two penalties.
Quins left wing Louis Rees had scored the only try of a tight first half with the hosts leading 8-6 at the pause. Aled Thomas goaled a penalty either side of the break.
Ebbw, in second, remain two points back on leaders Cardiff – who also picked up maximum points as they saw off Bridgend Ravens 47-14 at the Arms Park.
Wing Dewi Cross scored in each half with Elijah Evans, Alun Rees, captain Sean Moore, Jason Harries and Benji Williams also going over. Harri Wilde kicked six conversions.
Centres Ryan Wilkins and Mccauley Rowley replied for the Ravens, both converted by Callaghan Smith.
Pontypool picked up their first six-point victory as they blew away Swansea 43-10 in the wind – and recorded their biggest winning margin over the All Whites at St Helen’s in the process.
Swansea had no answer to the power generated by Pooler in the second half after the sides had changed ends with the visitors narrowly leading 12-10. That was as good as it got for the home side, while Pooler went on to score four more tries with the wind in their favour.
Ioan Duggan, Sam Scarfe, Morgan Allen, Scott Matthews, Kieran Meek and Ryan Jones crossed for Pooler, while Meek converted five and added a penalty.
Brandon Wood scored Swansea’s first half try and Josh Phillips added the conversion and a penalty. However, they remain rooted to the bottom without a win from their seven games to date.
