Cardiff struggled to break down a resilient Llandovery side and in the end were fortunate to get three points after a 32-32 draw (with both sides also gaining a four try bonus point). The Drovers started strongly and dominated the opening exchanges, Dafydd Hughes crossing after 7 minutes (Maynard converting). Cardiff finally managed to get in to the Llandovery half and as a ruck broke up Jack Jones decided now would be a good time to head-butt a Cardiff player – leading to an inevitable and immediate red card from referee Gwyn Morris. Gareth Thompson slotted the resulting penalty but Cardiff soon found themselves further behind as Corey Baldwin found space (and poor tackling) to score in the corner. In spite of the man disadvantage Llandovery were still dominating as poor composure from Cardiff failed to impose the numerical superiority. Ben Thomas burst through in midfield to score under the posts (Thompson converting) but before halftime the visitors had scored another try through Josef Powell, Cardiff’s only response being another penalty from Thompson.
Half time – Cardiff 13 Llandovery 19
Cardiff had a greater share of territory and possession in the second half but were let down by some poor handling and the taking of wrong decisions. In spite of the man disadvantage it was Llandovery that opened the scoring in the second half when Aaron Warren scored (Maynard again converting). Cardiff were still struggling with control but seemed to be gaining the upper hand when Edd Howley and Captain Joey Tomlinson (seconds after coming on as a second half substitute) scored for the Blue & Blacks – Thompson converting both.
Jack Maynard slotted a couple of penalties to keep the visitors in contention but with 10 minutes remaining it seemed that the victory would be secured as Llandovery were reduced to 13 men as persistent infringement resulted in a yellow card. With a two man advantage Cardiff worked space for Joe Gatt to dive over wide out and it seemed incidental that Steff Jones narrowly failed with the conversion.
Llandovery refused to be beaten, however, and soon got into position to be awarded another penalty. Maynard, for once, failed with the kick, but confusion in front of the Cardiff posts gave Llandovery a simple penalty. After consulting his assistant the referee downgraded the decision to an attacking scrum. The Drovers won quick ball for Maynard to drop the inevitable goal as the final whistle sounded.
