The Drovers emerged triumphant at Church Bank thanks to a penalty from Ioan Hughes with the last kick of the game against Pontypool to clinch a 26-24 win.
“We were in control after a really good start to the second half, but the second yellow card changed the game,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.
“Pontypool came at us again, and we couldn't stop them.
“We thought we were dead and buried when they scored that try to take the lead but, in fairness to the boys, they got the penalty and it was a great kick from Ioan to nick it.
“It was a big kick and it takes some steel but, in fairness to Ioan, he was excellent all afternoon.”
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Hughes scored 21 of his side’s points in a dramatic victory. The outside-half showed nerves of steel to convert from 40 metres with the last kick of an incredible semi-final at Church Bank.
That was his fourth penalty of the second half and he also scored a try, converted it, and added the extras to another try from Harri Doel.
It was tough on Pooler, who had looked set for a stunning comeback triumph after overturning a 23-10 deficit with less than seven minutes remaining.
They led 24-23 heading into added time courtesy of tries from wing Ewan Rosser and full-back Huw Anderson, both converted by Harri Ford, but despite those efforts would fall just short.
No.8 Morgan Allen scored for Pooler in the first half, converted by Kieran Meek – who also kicked a penalty to put them 10-7 up at the break.
The Drovers’ own indiscipline almost cost them, with prop Jamie Hughes sent to the sin-bin in the first half and back rower Osian Davies following in the second after a dangerous tackle on Allen.
It now presents Llandovery with the opportunity to retain the SRC Cup they won in its inaugural season when they convincingly defeated Ebbw Vale 39-7 in the final.
“It was probably our first game of real jeopardy and Pontypool came at us fully loaded and wanted to win it,” added Evans.
“For Llandovery, there are two trophies we can win, and this is one of them.”
Newport head coach Ty Morris was also a proud man after his side eventually overcame rivals Ebbw Vale 48-34 after extra-time in the other pulsating semi-final at Rodney Parade.
It was a Gwent derby that had just about everything, but two tries in extra-time from centre Harri Ackerman and outside-half Jac Lloyd sent the Black & Ambers through in dramatic fashion to meet Llandovery in the final.
Morgan Richards’ try for Ebbw at the death at the end of 80 minutes and Tom Price’s resulting conversion had made it 34-34 and sent the game into extra-time.
“I’m immensely proud of how the players are digging deep for this black and amber jersey right now to grind out results,” said Newport boss Morris.
“Today saw two strong, committed teams go at it from the first minute right through to the last. Both sides gave everything.
“Of course, we were disappointed with aspects of our performance in the opening 80 minutes, but this group is so connected and so willing to put their bodies on the line for each other. That’s what makes it so special to watch - I’m very proud of this group.”
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Newport replacement hooker Wade Langley was sent off in the second half after picking up a second yellow card, while Ebbw prop Luke Garrett was sent off after an altercation that saw Newport replacement prop Harry Fry receive a yellow card.
Ebbw second row Curtis Gregory was also sent to the cooler in the second half.
Newport had earlier led 14-0 and 29-17 but the Steelmen would not lie down. Dafydd Buckland, Josh Skinner, Morgan Williams, Fry and Harrison James also scored tries for Newport.
Lloyd converted three of those and kicked a penalty on his 50th appearance for Newport.
Ethan Phillips, Dylan Edwards and Jon Evans were also on the scoresheet for Ebbw. Price converted all four Ebbw tries and kicked two penalties.
As focus this week now turns towards the final with Llandovery, Morris added: “Whatever happens, I’m sure it will be another hugely physical contest and a great spectacle for everyone watching.”
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