by Howard Evans
A try by replacement back-rower Jordan Evans, a few minutes from full-time gained the ‘Drovers’ a narrow victory.
As usual with these two clubs, there was little between them at the finish, but Llandovery, who led 5-4 on the try-count just about deserved it.
Scrum-half Lee Rees proved to be the outstanding player and a strangely quiet home side found him too hard to hold.
Credit also to left-wing Aaron Warren, who scored three good tries.
The visitors led 19-0 and kept that lead until the 69th minute when Aberavon nosed in front.
The ‘Wizards’ were particularly poor in the first quarter and went down to 14 men when Lee Purnell was yellow-carded with two tries being conceded while he was off.
It was a final home match for centre Will Price, the club vice-captain, but who led on the day. Will has been a fine servant and was replaced in the final quarter, coming off to the cheers of the supporters.
Llandovery were quick off the mark with Warren scoring a try, followed by centre Rhodri Jones and then Warren again. Former ‘Wizard’ James Garland converted the last two.
Aberavon gradually fought back and Lloyd Evans scored a try that should have been a penalty try and a yellow card. However, Dan Edwards converted.
After seven extra minutes No 8 Andrew Waite, who played splendidly, took a tap penalty and scored for Edwards to convert.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with another try by Warren to make it 14-24.
Aberavon rang the changes and replacement hooker Luke Davies went over with Edwards again converting.
Further home pressure was rewarded by another try from Waite and Edwards again kicked a fine goal for a lead at 28-24.
However, Llandovery were not finished and back-row replacement Jordan Evans scored wide out to give his side a one-point win.
Score:
Aberavon 28 – 29 Llandovery
Aberavon Team:
Joe Gage; Frankie Jones, Chay Smith (rep Joe Thomas 68 min), Will Price (capt) (rep Cori Lewis-Jenkins 61 min), Stef Andrews; Dan Edwards, Iwan Temblett (rep Rhodri Cole 52 min); Rowan Jenkins (rep Rhys Fawcett 48 min), Cameron Lewis (rep Luke Davies 48 min), Chris Davies (rep Geraint James 48 min), Sam Pailor (rep Sam Williams 52 min), Rhodri Hughes, Lee Purnell (rep Ben Williams 64 min), Andrew Waite, Lloyd Evans.
Notes:
Dan Edwards & Cori Lewis-Jenkins appeared from the Ospreys; Sam Pailor appeared from Trebanos RFC; Ben Williams appeared from Gilfach Goch RFC.
Aberavon Scorers:
T – Andrew Waite (2), Lloyd Evans, Luke Davies
C – Dan Edwards (4)
Llandovery Scorers:
T – Aaron Warren (3), Rhodri Jones, Jordan Evans
C – James Garland (2)
Referee:
Gareth Newman
Man Of The Match:
1 – Andrew Waite
2 – Dan Edwards
3 – Will Price
Time Line:
17 min: Llandovery – T – Aaron Warren (0 – 5)
22 min: Aberavon – Yellow Card – Lee Purnell
25 min: Llandovery – T – Rhodri Jones & C – James Garland (0 – 12)
28 min: Llandovery – T – Aaron Warren & C – James Garland (0 – 19)
31 min: Aberavon – T – Lloyd Evans & C – Dan Edwards (7 – 19)
32 min: Aberavon – End Yellow Card – Lee Purnell
40+7 min: Aberavon – T – Andrew Waite & C – Dan Edwards (14 – 19)
40+8 min: Half Time
44 min: Llandovery – T – Aaron Warren (14 – 24)
53 min: Aberavon – T – Luke Davies & C – Dan Edwards (21 – 24)
69 min: Aberavon – T – Andrew Waite & C – Dan Edwards (28 – 14)
77 min: Llandovery – T – Jordan Evans (28 – 29)
80+5 min: Full Time