Once again Cardiff were subjected to the whim of the WRU and S4C and as last season had endure a Thursday night trek to Llandovery to face the league leaders. As last season the team’s preparations were hampered, this time suffering late withdrawals by Morgan Allen (elbow injury) and Nathan Hudd (who only found out on Wednesday evening that his red card – for two yellows – against Ebbw Vale would result in an immediate one match ban.) Allen was replaced at Number 8 by Sean Moore and Hudd’s place was taken by hooker Alun Rees, who was replaced on the bench by Gavin Parry.
As is the norm when Cardiff visit Church Bank the game was played in persistent rain. Llandovery started strongly and dominated possession throughout the game, but it was Cardiff that took the lead when, on one of the few forays into opposition territory, they were awarded a penalty. Harrison James landed a magnificent effort from near half way giving Cardiff the advantage. It wasn’t long before the scores were level as Jack Maynard slotted over an easier kick. After 20 minutes Cardiff were again awarded a penalty near half way, and James put Cardiff back in front. The Drovers continued to dominate territory and possession but resilient defence held them at bay until just before the break Maynard put over another simple kick.
HT Llandovery 6 Cardiff 6
The second half went the way of the first with Cardiff defending well, but unable to put any meaningful attacks together. Harrison James again put Cardiff in front with yet another penalty of almost 50 metres, but Maynard brought Llandovery level after 50 minutes with another simple penalty. Just before the hour mark, Llandovery took the lead for the first time when Maynard landed a penalty and a few minutes later Adam Warren was able to dot down a speculative kick through that Dewi Cross was unable to gather, Maynard converted. Cardiff finally came to life and looked dangerous. Several Llandovery infringements allowed the Blue and Blacks to gain a foothold in the Llandovery 22 and they were finally awarded a penalty in the shadow of the Llandovery posts, Harri Wilde getting the points.
In the final 10 minutes Llandovery scored two tries, the first by Nathan Hart when a driving maul allowed the replacement forward to go over. If TMO had been available the try probably would have been disallowed with two Cardiff players being obstructed by a Llandovery player. A final try in the last minute, by Gabe McDonald resulted in a score-line that didn’t really reflect the defensive resolution Cardiff had shown throughout.
FT Llandovery 31 Cardiff 12