Llandovery’s third win in three games in Pool A of the SRC Cup puts them in pole position for a place in the final writes Huw S Thomas.

After wins over Cardiff, RGC and now Bridgend, they only need to beat Aberavon on Friday, March 14, to guarantee facing the winners of Pool B – which will most likely be Ebbw Vale - on Thursday March 20.

The Ravens put up stern resistance- as they had done in going down 24-12 back in November’s league game – but were always second best against a side that has lost just three times in 16 cup and league outings.

Coach Euros Evans made multiple - even risky - changes from the side that had swamped RGC 61-28 but was vindicated by this seven tries to five victory.

It was a strange affair to say the least.

Llandovery galloped into an effortless 26-0 lead, but were clawed back to 26-14, before easing ahead 43-14. They stumbled when the Ravens recovered to 43-35 before an outstanding try from wing Harri Doel brought the curtain down on the 85 point bonanza..

This was a curate’s egg of a contest – thrilling running and brilliant attacks interspersed with shadow tackling and poor marking – but it was great entertainment for the fans.

In their three Pool A games Llandovery have scored an impressive 151 points- including 22 tries - but the coaching team will be concerned that they have also let in 96 points and 14 tries in the process.

The Drovers hit Bridgend early, scoring 26 points in as many minutes with tries from prop Berian Watkins, a brace from full back Kian Abraham and one from centre Rhodri Jones, fly half Ioan Hughes adding three conversions..

The Ravens had not been helped by the sin binning of lock Will Greatbanks for a foul on scrum half Lee Rees but centres Tommy Morgan and Ryan Wilkins then showed fine pace in crossing to allow full back Edd Howley to convert.

Bridgend had got back to 26-14 at the break before the Drovers showed their attacking prowess once more.

Hughes struck a penalty, scored a try and conversion and replacement promising scrum half George MacDonald also crossed for a try converted by replacement Jack Maynard to make it 43-14.

But the visitors would not give up and shook Llandovery complacency in scoring 21 points in fifteen minutes with tries from the darting Wilkins, a couple from replacement hooker Corey Lewis and three conversions by fly half Harvey Nash.

It was suddenly 43-35 and just when it looked as if Llandovery would have to be content with a five rather than six point haul, replacement Adam Warren broke up field and his long looping pass put wing Harri Doel over.

Replacement Jack Maynard needed to kick the conversion for the extra bonus point and once again he rose to the occasion as he has done so many times in recent years.

League action returns this Saturday when second placed Cardiff – on 56 points and one ahead of Llandovery - are the visitors to Church Bank for an early 2 00 pm kick off.)

Leaders Ebbw Vale - on 57 points – are not in action so whoever takes the spoils on Saturday will go to the top of the table.