Huw S Thomas reports:
The Drovers produced a terrific display of running and handling rugby to inflict a record defeat on a listless Aberavon side.
Aberavon were soundly beaten - seven tries to five -in an 86 point spectacular described by one lifetime Llandovery supporter as the "most entertaining game at Church Bank for 10 years".
The Wizards got a bonus point for their efforts but they were never anything than second best against a Llandovery side that is starting to play some very adventurous rugby under coach Rob Appleyard.
Aberavon coach Simon King was unavailable for comment but Chief Executive Andrew John was full of praise for the winners. "We have no complaints and were beaten by far the better side on the day" said John. "The Drovers put in a fine display of attacking rugby but we more than helped them by tackling very poorly and had to rely far too often on a few hard working forwards rather than the whole pack."
Home coach Rob Appleyard saw Llandovery put in their best attacking performance since his arrival but was realistic enough to air concerns as well as praise. "We aim to entertain and we succeeded in that with some style but we must quickly redress defensive weaknesses if we want to make any impact in the Premiership. For the coaching staff, the big plus is the way that the backs are putting the ball into space far more often and letting the ball do the work. They are counter-attacking with increasing confidence and their support play is sharper by the game."
Llandovery had their bonus point neatly tucked into the bag after just 23 minutes through converted tries from the outstandingly mobile No 8 Turnbull, balanced full-back Howard Thomas, big Nigerian centre Joe Ajuwa and all-action hooker Emyr Phillips.
They hit the Wizards with a memorable opening try after just 30 seconds when No 8 Josh Turnbull took a quick line out near his own 22 and ended it after clever running and handling from centre Rhys Williams and flanker Johnathan Edwards.
All the Llandovery backs looked comfortable and dangerous with the ball in hand and prompted by scrum-half Rob Walters - showing a welcome return to form - the home backs ripped holes in the Wizards defence.
The visitors held their own in the tight but they could not hold a candle to the Drovers in the search for and use of the loose ball.
An interception effort from wing Chris Lewis and one against the run of play by centre Luke Hathaway kept Aberavon in touch 31-15 at the break. They flatteringly got to 31-20 with a try from the hard working Richard Morris at No 8 before the speed and precision of the home backs put the result in no doubt.
An storming run by big home favourite Ajuwa sent Thomas striding in for his second try before Williams confirmed his impressive current form with Llandovery's sixth.
A charge from replacement prop Bevington helped Morris to crash over for his second try and when full-back Jamie Murphy took advantage of some disinterested Llandovery tackling to make it 45-24, the Wizards surprisingly sniffed a second bonus point for staying within seven points. But hopes of that were soon smashed when the ever alert and dangerous home backs worked wing Matthew Jacobs in under the posts for Llandovery's last of seven - all converted - tries.
*** The Drovers head for Pontypool on Saturday and must know that defence will be just as important as attack if they are to bring home the bacon from Gwent
Llandovery ratings by Huw S Thomas: H Thomas 8; I Evans 6, J Ajuwa 7, R Williams 8, M Jacobs 7; C Rees 7 (N Clapham 6), R Walters (capt) 7 (G James 6); P Edwards 6, E Phillips 7 (A Yelland 6), C Cross 6 (O Evans 5/A Jones 6), R Gierat 7, G Vaughan 6 (S Martin 6), N Aiono 7 (M Harbut 6), J Turnbull 8, J Edwards 7
