To quote the Journal: Rugby journalist Huw S Thomas has been given a special award for services to schools rugby. On behalf of the Welsh Schools Rugby Union Senior Group, chairman Barry Stephens presented the Llandovery-based journalist with an inscribed silver salver in recognition of his contribution to schools rugby over the last 25 years.

''Huw S, as he is known to everyone in the game, brought schools rugby out of the shadows and right into the public eye with his reports and columns on all age-grade rugby in Wales and further afield,'' said Stephens at a presentation evening at Swansea RFC.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

May I extend a very warm welcome to all the players, officials and supporters of Newport RFC here to Church Bank today for what is our final Principality Premiership game of the 2007/08 season.

At the time of writing we have not yet played our midweek game versus Glamorgan Wanderers. Optimistically we will have recorded a midweek victory to help set the scene and create the atmosphere for today to become a ‘do or die’ ‘cup final’ in the knowledge that a win against the ‘black and ambers’ will thus ensure our status in the top flight of Welsh Club rugby for next season and beyond, hopefully. 

Poignantly today is the final game for Iestyn Thomas as Head Coach and also for Mark Vince as Team Manager. I sincerely hope that the players will repay you with a win today as a worthy reward of your efforts over the years. Last season's Konica Minolta Cup win will forever be etched in all our memories and it would be both fitting and deserving for you to conclude this chapter in your contributions on behalf of the Club by helping to ensure that our proud record of never ever having been relegated since the advent of league rugby remains intact.

On behalf of everyone associated with the Club may I thank you sincerely for your dedication and commitment to The Drovers and on a personal level may I thank you both for your support and co-operation over the years. I now look forward to your continued involvement with the Club in assisting in raising much needed sponsorship to ensure we continue to have a bright and sustainable rugby future at Church Bank. 

Today we are delighted to host our seasonal Patron’s Lunch as a small gesture of appreciation to all our faithful Patrons during 2007/08. At today’s lunch we also include invited representatives of Llandovery Town Council who have generously contributed towards the commissioning of a replica of the Konica Minolta Cup. Our Athletic XV are also using today as an opportunity to celebrate their ‘invincible’ season when they remained unbeaten throughout the entire campaign – the first time in the Club’s history for a senior team to do so – on their way to winning both The Polypipe League and Cup trophies. It is worth mentioning the fact that this squad is made up almost entirely of local players who have been developed through the ranks of the age group Junior Drovers and Youth teams. (Our Youth team played last night in the County Cup Final and will also hopefully be celebrating success with us today!). Not only is this a testament to the players but also to all the coaches throughout the Club who have each contributed to these players' development at their various stages of development. There are several players of potential who can and have made the step up to the 1st XV and we look forward to seeing them show their desire and ambition to do so during this summer’s preseason training sessions. 

Our 1st team has an opportunity to complete our first ever double over the men of Gwent today having already secured our inaugural opening day success at Rodney Parade when our defence that day was quite outstanding, enabling the closest of victories, winning by six points to three.

Ar rhan pawb sy’n gysylltiedig gyda’r clwb hanesyddol yma dymunwn pob lwc i chi gyd heddiw, gwnewch eich gorau i rhoi’r farwel gorau posibl i Iestyn a Mark ac i codi calon pob un o’n cefnogwyr. 

We are for the second time in two weeks blessed to have four match sponsors today, namely Barry Saunders & Brian Phillips (for the 2nd time in two months!), Owen James, Castle Scaffolding and the A4069 Lewis brothers! with Dan Jones today’s local match ball sponsor. To you all may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you all for your valued support and I truly hope that you will bring with you as much luck as possible today to help make it a thoroughly memorable finale to the season! 

Finally may I welcome today’s match officials, without whom of course we would have no game! 

Unwaith eto diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth heddiw ac yn ystod yr holl tymor. Thank you all for your support today and throughout the season. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

The last game of the season and one with huge implications. As was said in the changing room after the victory over Glamorgan Wanderers – “job half done”. All the players appreciate the fact that our destiny is in our own hands. Win today and we stay in the Premiership – it’s that simple. If we fail to win then our destiny lies in other hands – Glamorgan Wanderers who are playing Maesteg this afternoon. If the Wanderers win we are OK – they claim to be going for a win but it will be mighty tough up there with Maesteg also battling to remain in the Premiership. I’m sure we are all the more comfortable with it being down to us. Maesteg have also to play Aberavon next Wednesday and this is generally held to be a 5 pointer for them. Aberavon have hit a bad patch and seem to be offering little resistance.

The Chairman has spoken about Iestyn Thomas in his report and as most people know he is stepping down as Head Coach at the end of this season. On a personal note I have worked with Iestyn closely both when teaching at Llandovery College and at the Drovers for nearly 20 years and I thank him very sincerely for all the work he has put in at Church Bank. Very widely known and respected  both as a person and a rugby coach he has been instrumental in the Drovers' success over a number of seasons and I so hope that he is given a great send off with a victory today.  Iestyn’s work on the field, his ability to bring players to the club and his sociability off the field are all strong features in his character. Happily he remains in the locality, working with his charity, School children for Children and will continue to help out with the club in a fund-raising capacity.

Mark Vince also finishes at the end of this season due to pressure of work at ‘The Westend’ and thanks go to him for all the time and enthusiasm he has put into the often thankless task of Team Manager. I can’t imagine we won't see Mark down at Church Bank in the near future and wish him all the best.

Whatever the future may hold for this club I hope that our loyal band of supporters will continue to follow the Drovers as they have done over many years from the ups and downs of the West Wales Leagues through the Welsh Leagues and finally into the top club flight, the Premiership. There is fine community back up from the Athletic and Youth to ensure rugby continues at Church Bank whatever.

Our Visitors Today

In their last game Newport suffered their first ever home defeat to Bedwas who in defeating them recorded a double in what was described on the Newport Web site as poor – a typical end of season game. Neither side was able to score a try in the 9-12 scoreline with Stuart Thomas (Bedwas) and Dan Griffiths (Newport) responsible for all the points with penalty kicks.

This was to be Head Coach Ian Hembrow’s last home game for the Black and Ambers.  Ian, who has enjoyed his time at Newport, was hugely disappointed to lose his role at Rodney Parade in what he described as a season of under-achievement. There are rumours around that he may well take up a role at today’s visitors Maesteg. In place of Ian Newport have promoted forwards coach Sven Cronk whilst Jon Bryant the former Dragon, currently player coach at Merthyr in Division 1, will assume the role of backs coach.

Newport who currently occupy 7th place in the Principality Premiership have won 12 and lost 13 of their games. From these their try count stands at about equal, scoring 45 and letting in 49. They have four try score bonus points and 8 losing bonus points (the highest in the league) all of which suggests they are involved in some tight games.

Interestingly enough they have completed doubles over 4 teams, Bridgend, Cross Keys, Llanelli and Maesteg. They have also recorded an away victory over Swansea along with home victories over Cardiff , The Wanderers and Pontypridd.

The opening game of the season saw us visit Rodney Parade where for the first time we were able to record a victory over Newport, by 6 points to 3. All penalties – for Llandovery two by Steffan Rees and for Newport one by Dan Griffiths. The Western Mail reported that “the Konica Minolta Cup holders deservedly edged out Newport in an uninspiring encounter”. All the scoring came in the first half and Steffan Rees’s second penalty in the 23rd minute ended the scoring.

In the 2006/7 season the Black and Ambers dished out an almighty hiding at Rodney Parade when they hammered the Drovers by 68-15, running in 10 tries in a totally one sided encounter. However in the return fixture at Church Bank the Drovers created the shock of the weekend when they overcame high flying Newport by 25-13. Outside half Jon Elrick was the star of the show, scoring all 26 points – a try and conversion along with 6 penalties.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

At the very outset may I say that the thoughts of many supporters of Llandovery RFC are with Derek Jones Castle Garage and his wife Meryl and daughters Delyth and Eleri at this moment in time. Derek, a fervent supporter and former player and committeeman was a proud match sponsor at our last home game against Swansea on April 16^th 2008 only to fall very seriously ill days later with a life threatening infection. At the time of writing he remains extremely ill after several operations at Glangwili Hospital and may I on behalf of everyone associated with Llandovery RFC and the surrounding community convey our prayers and very best wishes to Derek for a full and speedy recovery. Pob lwc o galon am welliant cyflym a llwyr i ti Derek. 

Wrth droi i ein gem heddiw hoffwn estyn croeso cynnes iawn i ein ymwelwyr o Glwb Rygbi Crwydraid Morgannwg. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the players, committee and supporters connected with Glamorgan Wanderers RFC to Church Bank for what is our penultimate Principality Premiership fixture of the season. After performing admirably against Neath in last Sunday’s Konica Minolta Cup semi final unfortunately it was not to be for them, with the Welsh ‘All Blacks’ now favourites to do the double, although if anyone is capable of upsetting the odds it’s in the final its got to be ‘Ponty’. 

Our supporters continue to remain baffled at the fact that despite much improved performances over the last four games, nevertheless, not only have we been in positions to win them all – against Aberavon, Glamorgan Wanderers, Swansea and Llanelli, - amazingly and disappointingly, we have not even managed to secure what any neutral observer would have agreed would have been a deserving bonus point in each of these games. 

As a consequence no one needs reminding of the significance of the last two games in the context of The Drovers fight for survival in the Principality Premiership. If we win both games then it is mathematically impossible for Maesteg to overtake us even if they win their remaining two games against Glamorgan Wanderers this Saturday and against Aberavon next Wednesday (7^th May).

With the publishing of the recommendations within the WRU’s Premiership Review paper last week confirming that the number of clubs within the Premier Division will remain at up to 14 for at least the next three seasons, and with the reintroduction of a playoff game between the bottom placed club and the Champions of Division One in future, and all this places extra significance – if any were needed – on the vital importance that we gain at least four points from tonight’s game. 

Time has now run out and there are no longer any second chances as we are now playing for our survival in the “last chance saloon”. I have no doubt whatsoever that the players and coaches have the ability and will to succeed however there is no longer any margin for error. Our players simply have to be more streetwise and clinical when it comes to taking any opportunities on offer to put points on the board as well as holding a resolute, stubborn, firm defence. 

As Wales’s success in winning the Grand Slam this season has exemplified, a solid defence is crucial. In our last four games unfortunately we have developed a habit of conceding early points and then given ourselves a mountain to climb, which, although bouncing back well to come within a whisker in each game, nevertheless those early scores ultimately proved to be very costly in the final outcome. 

Felly gwnewch eich gorau glas bois i ennill i ein cefnogwyr ffyddlon heno. Having spoken to Llanelli RFC chaplain Eldon Phillips after last Saturday’s game he has promised to say a few prayers on our behalf so hopefully coupled with this extra assistance and the fact that it is well overdue for lady luck to change in our favour, let us all hope for a positive outcome to this weeks final two fixtures! 

Congratulations to our Athletic XV on completing a fanatastic season by not only doing the league and cup double but being the first senior team in the Club’s history to remain undefeated earning them the future tag of “The Invincibles”. Ymdrech gwych gan pawb sy’n haeddi’r canmoliant uchaf. Dai awn i chi gyd fechgyn! Finally may I wish our Youth XV the very best of luck for this Friday night when they meet Ammanford Youth in the Carmarthenshire Youth Cup Final at Cefneithin RFC. Pob lwc i chi fechgyn a gwnewch eich gorau i cipio’r cwpan i coroni’r tymor! 

This evening our two match sponsors are Bingley & Jones Trading [Australia], (with the Jones being Gareth Milton Jones) and ‘The Edwards & Phillips Gang’ whilst our match ball sponsor is Club Accountant Peter Price. Once again may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your valued support and trust that you will all enjoy tonight’s match! 

We also extend our usual warm welcome to the match officials, without whom of course we would have no game! 

Unwaith eto diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you all for your support. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

We must congratulate our fellow Regional Premiership side in successfully breaking a six match losing streak. On Saturday they managed to put together probably the strongest side they have selected all season, bringing in such players as Rhys Priestland, Josh Turnbull, Jonathan Edwards and Alex Jenkins. They had a determination to beat the Drovers and although we put in a good performance they had the finishing power to score the tries that we made opportunities for but were never able to quite finish off. As against Swansea in the previous game the Drovers matched the opposition in all aspects of the match, having the upper hand in both territory and possession but conceding tries whilst failing to record any themselves. It is frustrating to both coaches, management and supporters to see the side play well in many areas but still end up losing without a bonus point to show for all their efforts. Add to this some clearly incorrect refereeing decisions in the Swansea game, missed penalty kicks and charged down drop goals and the result is a hard couple of weeks that has seen Maesteg creep ever closer in the relegation battle.

Yet our fate is still in our own hands. Win the last two games and we stay up – it's that clear. Tonight comes the first part of that battle to retain Premiership status. We all wish the side the very best of luck and hope that we can obtain that elusive victory. Maesteg like us have two home games left and again like us they have to play Glamorgan Wanderers next Saturday and also they have to take on an Aberavon team who appear on a steep downward curve and should cause the home side few problems.

The results of the Premiership Review have gone to the Union and possibly rather surprisingly the WRU look to have done an about turn in the number of clubs to be involved, with 14 sides to be retained. Not only that but they have gone further and decided that the Division 1 Champions will in future have to play-off against the bottom Premiership club to prove themselves capable of playing at the higher level, have limited the number of potential Regional A games and have scrapped the permit system for Regional players appearing in the Premiership. The number in future will be open ended but the players are to be allocated to one side and this should stop the experiences we have had in the past when one player appeared against us for three different sides. All the changes should strengthen the Premiership and improve the standard of play.

Our Visitors Today

Congratulations to the Wanderers  from all at Church Bank on reaching the Konica Minolta Cup Semi-Final for the first time – and what a performance your players put up. Possibly one or two decisions could be questioned and then we would have had a very different game. Certainly your spirited defence didn’t deserve to concede so many points.

The game between our sides, not so long ago, ended in a clear cut winning scoreline of 32-12 but to be fair to the Drovers efforts they dominated the second half territorially but were totally unable to break down an outstanding Wanderers defence. 27-12 at half time  saw only one score in the second half and that from a break out when scrum half Lloyd Williams slipped through some weak defence to score.

The season has been rather mixed for today’s visitors – after 10 games they were lying in 3rd position in the Premiership with 7 victories and a draw. On the opening day of the season they recorded a comfortable 41-29 victory over  Maesteg and everyone here in Llandovery RFC hopes they can complete the double when they visit them for their last game of the season.

In these early games a most welcome victory was scored over their city rivals Cardiff and Llanelli were held to a draw. Away victories against Aberavon and Swansea and a home win over the then second placed club Ebbw Vale saw them climb gradually up the table until a home defeat by Pontypridd seemed to upset them and since that time they have only recorded two more victories – unfortunately one of them against us.

Last season the Wanderers completed the double over the Drovers – winning by 57-35 at the Memorial ground, running in 9 tries in the process, 6 of which Gareth McCarthey converted, whilst at Church Bank in the last game of the season the wanderers shaded the game by 18 points to 13. Going back to the 2005/6 season honours were shared with the Wanderers winning 22-17 at home but going down by 35-15 on their visit to Church Bank.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Croeso cynnes iawn i ein ymwelwyr yma heddiw o Clwb Rygbi Abertawe. It gives me great pleasure to extend a very warm welcome to all the players, supporters and management associated with Swansea RFC to Church Bank for today’s Principality Premiership fixture.  

The Drovers will have to be on top of our game if we are to end a superb 10 match unbeaten sequence of wins by Richard Webster’s team who as a result of this excellent form and, despite an uncharacteristically slow start to this season's campaign, have climbed to 3rd place in the table. 

Victories over Cross Keys, Ebbw Vale and Bridgend in our last three home games has helped us to leapfrog Maesteg, who now occupy bottom spot - and of potential significance they have also played one more game than ourselves. 

The faithful travelling supporters who witnessed the performances during last week's defeats in midweek at Aberavon and on Saturday against Glamorgan Wanderers, will I’m sure agree that the efforts of the players in terms of territory and possession throughout both games was deserving of at least a losing bonus point in both instances. Our failings were unfortunately once again in gifting soft tries to our opponents and if there is a lesson to be learnt it is that we cannot afford to get off to a start when we concede two tries in ten minutes – a feature of both games. Felly byddwch ar eich gorau heddiw bois o’r dechreuad cyntaf a gwneich eich gorau i cipio buddugoliaeth pwysig iawn! 

With Maesteg picking up a losing bonus point against Cardiff last week it is becoming vitally important for The Drovers to gain as many points as possible with only three more fixtures remaining after today’s visit by the All Whites. Dymunwn pob lwc i chi bois ar eich ymdrechion heddiw! 

Upon securing our status within The Premiership I am delighted to announce that former All Whites and Wales flanker Rob Appleyard looks set to join us to take over from outgoing Head Coach Iestyn Thomas for next season 2008/09. Roy James is also returning after a year's absence to rejoin the rugby management whilst Mark Vince will be stepping down from his role as Team Manager at the end of the season due to work commitments. Neither Iestyn nor Mark will be lost to the Club however as they will both be actively involved in helping to raise much needed sponsorship in what is becoming an increasingly demanding and competitive environment. Diolch yn fawr i chi’ch dau am eich cyfraniad dros y blynyddoedd. On behalf of our Club I would like to thank you both for your fantastic contribution over the years, which culminated in the unforgettable Konica Minolta Cup Success at The Millennium Stadium last year.

I am sure that the players will all be bursting blood vessels to make sure that you both end on a league high by ensuring that we maintain our proud record of never ever having been relegated since the advent of league rugby - as far back as 1990!  

Turning to the Athletic this is also becoming an unforgettable season. Not only have they secured the Polypipe Civils League title but they are also in the Cup Final where their opponents are Whitland RFC. By the time you read this the outcome will be known as they played yesterday Friday 18th at Llangennech RFC. Pob lwc i chi bois i sicrhau’r cwpan ar ol colli gem mor agos yn y rownd derfynnol llynedd. 

Geraint was particularly disappointed that Llangennech withdrew from their semi-final clash and also at Bonymaen’s failure to honour their league fixture last week. A friendly fixture versus Porthcawl away was hastily arranged and once again their rampant form was evident in a 95 points to nil thumping! Providing challenging opponents will itself prove to be a challenge for next season at this rate! 

The Youth returned to winning ways following an excellent 26–5 win against Llantrisant providing an useful warm up in preparation for their Cup Final appearance against Ammanford on Friday May 2nd probably at Cefneithin RFC. Da iawn chi bois! 

If the 1st XV can secure enough points to survive within the Premiership, surely rugby can never been on such a high at Church Bank. Couple this with outstanding individuals blossoming through the junior Drovers ranks – Joel, grandson of Dirk & Helene Lovell being the latest prospect off the conveyor belt to have been selected for his West Wales cap - and everyone associated with Llandovery RFC can be justifiably proud of the successful achievements throughout the Club. To all concerned your efforts are sincerely appreciated. Diolch i pawb. 

Today we are fortunate to have no fewer than four match sponsors, namely Bryan Weaver, Ian Harries Blaencilcoed Quarry, A I Ceramics and Derek Jones Castle Garage. Gentlemen may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your valued support and trust that you all have a thoroughly enjoyable and successful day at the “Home of the Drovers”. Grateful thanks also to our two match ball sponsors  Ann Williams (mother in law) and Gwilym Jones (brother of Bryn and uncle to Andrew ‘Cantonna’ Jones)..A warm welcome also to today’s match officials, without whom of course we would have no game! 

Unwaith eto diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you all for your support. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

One of the Sunday Rugby reports I read about Leicester v Ospreys questioned who were the real Leicester because of their inconsistent form. I think the same may be applied to the Drovers.  Anyone watching the  games and the results against Ebbw Vale and Bridgend must have been mystified at what happened against Aberavon and Wanderers. Having watched all four I’m unsure how the defence shown against Bridgend and the general play against Ebbw Vale could change so dramatically. To be fair on the night Aberavon looked a good side and played well but perhaps their mid-week loss to Ebbw Vale, conceding 48 points puts a different reflection on it.

The loss to the Wanderers I found most disappointing – only two places above us in the Principality, this was a game for the taking. They defended well but horrible lapses and errors by us gifted them the game by a score that in no way reflected the pattern of play and another bonus point. I’m sure the team that defeated Ebbw and Bridgend  could certainly have won at least one of these games – unfortunately it featured virtually the same 22 guys. Which team will turn up to day? With Maesteg gaining a bonus point and creeping ever closer a positive attitude and result is essential.

Throughout the season we have been extremely lucky in the number of sponsors we have been able to attract to Church Bank. These days the availability of funds to support the rugby is absolutely essential – the introduction of professionalism into our game has made sure that the sides with big bucks are usually the successful sides. We see this at Regional level, in soccer and of course at our own level. So the club is ever thankful to those who are prepared to support us and hopefully see us succeed in our  target of remaining in the top flight of club rugby.

Today we have four match sponsors which is a tremendous effort and many thanks to those who work so hard to obtain these generous people. The names of the sponsors are mentioned in Handel’s report and also on the Team Page. However I would like to record a special thanks to one of these sponsors – Bryan Weaver. Bryan for those who don’t know works tirelessly at providing an up to date Drovers Web site – visit if you haven’t it's really good, but today he has worked in another direction collecting a willing bunch to help sponsor this game. The names of these supporters are: Dai Butler, Alwyn Davies, Clive Davies, Huw Davies, Martin Davies, Phil Davies, Gina Deering, Keith Faulkner, Martin Jones, Phil Jones, Dirk Lovell, Eddie Rees, Richard Silva, Aubrey Waters, Bryan Weaver, Keith Weaver, Tim Weaver, Howell Whitney, Lewis Williams and Roland Williams. Many of this group are faithful supporters through good times and bad times at Church Bank , many of them working to maintain the facilities that Church Bank has to offer. We thank you for this additional support.

Our Visitors Today

Today’s visitors Swansea are without doubt the form team of the moment in the league. In 2008 they have not lost in the Principality Premiership – a tremendous achievement. The last lost league game was a narrow 14-27 reverse at St. Helens against current league leaders Neath which occurred on 29th December 2007. Since that time they have gone on to record victories over Pontypridd, Cardiff, Newport, Bedwas, Maesteg, Bridgend, Llanelli, Aberavon, Wanderers and Cross Keys. By any token an outstanding feat. Whilst congratulating the Whites we of course hope very much that we can put a blot on their copybook – it will be a huge boost to the players and management if this happens.

When we played Swansea for the first time this season at St. Helens the Whites were in 11th place in the league, one place above us but following that victory they have only lost two league encounters and now stand in 5th place in the league, pushed down a place when Ebbw Vale crushed Aberavon 48-20 taking 5 points on Tuesday evening and took over 3rd place and down again when Pontypridd defeated Bridgend on Wednesday.  Aberavon are one place and 2 points below but with a game in hand. With the Whites scoring 50 tries so far in the league and usually adopting an expansive game we should see plenty of open rugby this afternoon.

In the earlier game at St Helens Swansea won with a 5 pointer by 30-9. As reported in the press ‘beating an erratic Llandovery in an error ridden, hard fought game where the score wasn’t a true reflection of the match’.  The score going into the final quarter was 15-9 but with Rob Walters being denied what to everyone except the ref seemed a perfectly good try the Drovers' challenge faded and in the last 10 minutes the home side rattled up a further 15 points.

Recent games for Swansea have seen them score narrow victories over the Wanderers by 13-6 at the Memorial Ground and then last Saturday came a 23-19 victory over Cross Keys. Except for the difference in scores in many ways the game at the Memorial sounds like our game, with Swansea obtaining a bulk of the possession but finding a dogged defence in front of them. Unfortunately unlike our efforts Swansea also tackled well to restrict the home side to two penalties. Against Cross Keys that promising young fly half Dan Biggar was responsible for 13 of the points, 2 pens, 2 cons and a drop goal. Richard Payne and Rhys Jones scored tries.

Supportive words in the recent Cardiff programme from Alan Evans, Cardiff RFC’s Programme Editor, under the heading ‘Welcome to the Drovers’: 

In any season there are no more welcome visitors to Cardiff Arms Park than our friends from Llandovery. Over the Premiership years the likes of president Phil Davies, chairman Handel Davies and secretary John Kendrick have all been incredibly generous hosts when the Blue & Blacks have visited Church Bank and the onus is on us again to reciprocate their hospitality this afternoon.

We must add to that lestyn Thomas, who remains one of the longest-serving (if not the longest) coaches in Welsh club rugby and someone who never fails to pose questions of visiting teams on the field and extend the warm hand of friendship off it. All in all they are a formidable bunch, these Drovers, and we only have to think back to a certain afternoon at the Millennium Stadium last April to confirm that fact.

In the true spirit of the occasion, we have not shirked from featuring that fateful Konica Minolta Cup Final showdown in today's programme (what good losers we are!) - but, result apart, it is a timely reminder of what was, after all, a major day on all our calendars. Of course we would have much preferred to lift the cup ourselves but, if that was not to be, far better for Llandovery, rather than one or two of the big-spending and perennially successful clubs, to enjoy their moment in the sun.

Llandovery are renowned as a community club, a concept which is often bandied about by the national powers-that-be - and occasionally without a full understanding of what they are on about. But Llandovery could, and should, be a role model for many of us. As those who have been there will not need reminding, they run something like eleven junior teams, a youth team and a second team and, inevitably, that requires a significant input from the town and country around them.

Our own coach Justin Burnell has never been slow in these pages over the last couple of seasons to commend them for their efforts in that direction. On top of everything else, their facilities at Church Bank are second to none and the point is that they maximise what they've got. As well as several pitches the clubhouse is a vibrant base, particularly on match days. Many are the Blue & Black supporters who have been there and sampled the delights of their catering, including this season's visit that was highlighted by a sumptuous steak and chips feast! Apparently the revenue they raise by their own initiative and hard work is enough to put many of the bigger clubs to shame.

If all this sounds too much like a 'party political broadcast’ on behalf of the Drovers then so be it. Suffice to say that it's good to have them here again today and, hopefully, the pattern will continue for many seasons to come.

Drovers servant seeks to finish on a high (12/4/08)

London-born Iestyn Thomas went to Llandovery as a schoolboy and then a lecturer. He joined the coaching side in the early 1990s and guided them to cup success last season. Now, as he prepares to retire at the end of this season, he believes that they can avoid relegation.

“The pressure of being coach is a lot and, though I am stepping down at 56, I will not leave the club,” he said. “I will be working to get sponsorship here.”

The game [against Glamorgan Wanderers] promises to be a high-scoring affair and Drovers fly-half Gareth Morgan will remember a brilliant display he produced at the Memorial Ground while a first-year student at Uwic. His 37 points in his last three outings has helped Llandovery gain two wins.

Rob the Drover (13/4/08)

Former All Whites and Wales flanker Rob Appleyard is expected to sign on as Llandovery head coach for season 2008-2009.

He will take over from the outgoing Iestyn Thomas on condition that the Drovers remain in the Principality Premiership.

Things are yet to be finalised but it is likely that Appleyard will leave his current position as coach to Tonmawr and work under Jeff Roach, who moves up to the post of Director of Rugby from assistant coach. Lyndon Lewis will remain as backs coach, with Roy James returning to the club after a year’s absence in an administrative and coaching role.

Llandovery had no Principality Premiership game last Saturday as their intended opponents - Aberavon - were involved in a quarter-final cup tie at the Talbot Athletic Ground against Ebbw Vale.

But there was very good news for the beleaguered Drovers. Bedwas did the Tywi valley club a big favour by travelling to Maesteg and beating the bottom placed side in convincing fashion by 30-8. Measteg failed to get a losing bonus point at Llynfi Road which means that they are still four points behind Llandovery at the bottom of the table and have only four games left to play.

They have to face Cardiff, Glamorgan Wanderers and Aberavon at home and travel away to Pontypridd

The Drovers still have six games remaining – three home and three away.

They also have the comfort of knowing that if the teams were to be tied on points at the end of the 26 game league programme then they would be the more likely to survive. The league rules state that in the event of teams finishing tied on points, then the side to have earned the most victories would be advantaged. At the moment Llandovery have won five games and Maesteg just three.

Local supporters were much encouraged by the latest performances at Church Bank when two consecutive wins over Ebbw Vale and Bridgend took them off the foot of the table. "Our future is in our own hands" said club chairman Handel Davies. "If we can keep up our recent home form and win the three remaining games at Church Bank, it would make it very difficult indeed for Maesteg to overtake us. The support at the game against Bridgend was very encouraging and certainly helped the boys put in a tremendous second-half performance.  We just hope that the town will turn out in numbers for the three remaining games, starting with Swansea on April 19."

The Drovers played Aberavon away last night (Tuesday) and are again away on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff to play Glamorgan Wanderers. Any points – even a losing bonus point or two - would be invaluable. Maesteg take on Cardiff at Llynfi Road on Saturday.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Hoffwn estyn croeso cynnes iawn i Clwb Rygbi Penybont i Banc yr Eglwys yma heddiw.

Bridgend RFC are our welcome visitors today for what is a second home league match for The Drovers on successive Saturdays. The Ravens, like ourselves, are not enjoying the most successful of seasons, having won 6 and drawn 1 as opposed to our record of 4 victories. They have however secured 8 bonus points to our 4 and herein lies the difference this season. Clubs who have taken advantage of the new points scoring system have managed to secure a losing bonus when finishing within 7 points of their opponents. Maesteg emulated this feat last Saturday to keep them ahead of us on try difference - contrary to the league tables reflected in this week's press which place Maesteg incorrectly in bottom spot at this moment in time. 

Whilst their much publicised financial difficulties have not aided their cause, nevertheless Bridgend have much to play for this season as they strive to progress in The Konica Minolta Cup when they meet Pontypridd in the quarter final at Sardis Road next Saturday. Perhaps they will have one eye on that game rather than today’s, we shall soon find out! 

It must be said that the Drovers have performed admirably since the humiliating and potentially demoralising defeat to Neath on St. David’s Day. The away performance against Maesteg was full of guts and endeavour and were it not for the fact that we unnecessarily changed tactics in the second half after dominating the opening period we could and should have come away with a win. To not score even a bonus point rubbed further salt into the wound. Last week's showing against Ebbw Vale exemplified what Drovers supporters have come to expect over the years, i.e. 100% effort and commitment to the cause and much improved discipline. We must approach today’s game with the same attitude - who will forget the 15 points via 5 penalties in 7 minutes that we conceded in this corresponding fixture last season when fly half Mark David’s boot punished our costly misdemeanours, that ultimately cost us the game? Dysgwch y gwers heddiw bois a chwareywch eich calonnau mas i ein cefnogwyr ffyddlon er mwyn sicrhau buddugoliaeth arrall yn y frwydyr i cyrraedd diogelwch.

On behalf of the Committee I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to The Athletic XV on winning the PolyPipe Civils League last Saturday when they racked up a cricket score away at Broadacre where former Dunvant player Geraint Williams saw his excellent squad win by 91 points to 7. The challenge is now for them to remain unbeaten and they face Whitland today in what will surely be a tougher test. They face Llangennech in the Cup on Saturday 5^th April and should have fantastic support for that game (which will be played on our main pitch), as the Drovers 1^st XV’s league scheduled encounter versus Aberavon has been moved forward to Tuesday 8^th April at The Talbot Athletic Ground due to their quarter final Cup tie versus Ebbw Vale on this date. 

The Youth narrowly lost last Saturday’s game to a strong Burry Port side 13 points to 8 in a game that could have seen them achieve a rare double had they been able to convert 1^st half pressure into points. At the time of writing they are due to play Hendy under floodlights at home in the semi final of the Carmarthenshire Youth Cup on Wednesday night 26^th March,  whilst today they face Llangennech away in a return to league action.

Dymunwn pob lwc i pob un o’r timau i sicrhau buddugoliaethau i’r Porthmyn heddiw! 

We are fortunate to have our fantastic groundsmen Roger James and Dai ‘Manchester’ Evans as today’s Match sponsors. Mention must be made of the fact that these loyal servants incredibly do not charge a penny for the diligent stewardship involved in nurturing and maintaining our four rugby pitch/eighteen acre facilities here at Church Bank. How many Premiership clubs can claim that the upkeep of their grounds is done entirely voluntarily! Diolch o galon am bopeth ‘rydych yn ei wneud dros y Clwb.  

We are also fortunate today to have three separate Match Ball sponsors, namely Messrs Arnot Hughes, Adam Hathaway and the Amman Valley Motor Club. Gentlemen we are extremely grateful to you all for your generous support today and sincerely hope that you will enjoy the occasion. 

We also extend a warm welcome to today’s match officials, croeso cynnes iawn i chi gyd i Clwb Rygbi Llanymddyfri! 

On behalf of everyone associated with the Club I would also like to extend our very best wishes to fellow committeeman Gareth ‘Twm Mount’ Jones who has recently been admitted to Morriston Hospital. Twm, we all wish you a very speedy recovery and hopefully a victory today against Bridgend will help lift your spirits so that you are able to return home in good health even quicker!  

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you once again for all your support. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

I’m sure all concerned with the Drovers will join with me in wishing all the very best to winger Owain Rowlands. In going for a corner try in the 13^th minute in the last match against Ebbw Vale Owain was tackled into touch and suffered a very nasty injury to his arm. Unfortunately our leading try scorer will not play again this season but hopefully he will fully recover and be seen in the Drovers' colours once again.

I have been asked to write a few words on behalf of the members of Amman and District Motor Club who are delighted to sponsor today’s match ball. They do this as a big ‘Thank you’ for the use of the Drovers facilities during their Red Kite Stages Motor rally in January. The rally based at the Castle Hotel is now in its 8^th successful year. The Mayor of Llandovery, Ivor Jackson a supporter of the Drovers, flagged away the leading competitors. Terry Frayne, the Rally Secretary writes, “It gives me great pleasure to see the business the event generates in Llandovery with the many supporters on the rally weekend. We always get a warm welcome in the town and I hope the Rugby Club, our Motor Club and the residents of Llandovery can continue to give each other mutual support in years to come – once again thank you”.  

The victory last week at Church Bank against old rivals Ebbw Vale was indeed most welcome. These points take us level with Maesteg on 20 points each, but put us in 13^th place by virtue of our 4 wins against their 3. The side played good rugby with far greater confidence than has been seen in some of the matches recently. Let us hope this confidence can carry the club into the latter stages of the season and more victories can be recorded. However once again we managed to give away 14 points to the opposition without them having to do a lot to register them. We worked hard for our points and it is doubly frustrating to see tries given away. Our tackling and defence generally  is sound but our reading of game situations needs to be sharpened up.  Another victory today would really set the seal for an improved run in to the end of the season. The spirit is certainly with the players, now let's avoid silly errors and go for another 4 points.

Our Visitors Today

Bridgend are one place above us in the Premier Table. They have recorded 2 more victories (6), plus a draw and have also built up 8 bonus points. This gives them a grand total of 34 points – 14 more than us.

Last week whilst we were recording our 4th victory of the season Bridgend were recording their 6th – and how important it was for the Drovers. Their victory of course was against Maesteg by the narrowest of margins, 21-18, which gave the visitors a losing bonus point and kept them equal with us on 20 points. Last week our referee was Huw David who was waiting anxiously for the Bridgend score where his son Gareth is the goal kicker. It was Gareth’s 6 points, including one excellent conversion from the touchline, that kept Bridgend ahead and did us a favour. Let us hope he’s not in quite such good form this week. Bridgend, playing with the wind, built up a 14-3 lead by half time with winger Chris Weightman and fly half Mark David getting a try apiece. A second half try against the run of play by Chris Weightman saved the home side as Maesteg fought back strong and came close to snatching victory. This completed a season’s double over Maesteg.

Of Bridgend’s six victories five have come at home – their only away win so far coming at the expense of Maesteg. Their home victories have been against us ( their first win),  the Wanderers 12-7, Llanelli  9-7,  Ebbw Vale 32-6 and last week.

After the match at the Brewery Field earlier this season, which Bridgend won by 33-14, Coach Iestyn Thomas was unhappy with the errors committed by the Drovers in what was a much tighter game than the score suggests. “We made life difficult with a range of missed kicks, poor tackles and bad options that gave Bridgend too many points”. The Drovers pack was far too strong for the home eight and were awarded two penalty tries from 5m scrums. Eventually Bridgend ran out of front rows and the game ended with passive scrums, taking away the one great advantage enjoyed by the Drovers.

In season 2005/6 the Drovers recorded a 8-14 victory at the Brewery Field but earlier in the season the Ravens had been victorious at Church Bank by 1 point (28-29) – but note the visitors put over 5 penalties  by Gareth David so there is a clear warning on discipline.   

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Croeso cynnes i Banc yr Eglwys i pawb sy'n gysylltiedig gyda ein ymwelwyr heddiw sef Clwb Rygbi Glyn Ebwy. Mae gwyr Gwent yn cael tymor da unwaith eto eleni. Today we extend a very warm welcome to what is surely one of the best-supported teams in the Principality Premiership, the "Steelmen" from Gwent, Ebbw Vale RFC. Once again they are enjoying a highly successful season, challenging for honours in both Cup and League, although Neath's recent purple patch of form appears to have opened up what is probably an unassailable lead in the race for the Premiership title. 

The Welsh nation is still riding on the crest of a Grand Slam wave following last weekend's fantastic achievement with Wales clinching a truly amazing 10th Grand Slam under the astute coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and not forgetting Rob Howley. The manner in which the Welsh players have gone about their business in such a workmanlike and businesslike fashion has been clinical in its efficiency and the never-say-die attitude and commitment displayed by the players both in attack and defence has been truly inspirational. In such a short space of time the players’ attitude has developed a hardened, professional edge and they have all responded 100% to the new coaching psyche, - that is based on straight talking, hard graft, putting their bodies on the line and total respect for the jersey. Well done to you all - we salute you! 

The Drovers, following last week’s reversal at Maesteg, now occupy the same spot at the foot of the table as we ended last season and with Division One East sides Pontypool and Caerphilly this year having already passed the criteria it is imperative that we improve upon this position if we are to avoid the dreaded drop. Nevertheless our destiny still lies in our own hands as we have a game in hand over The Old Parish and of the eight remaining games, we have five at home and three away. So Come on boys! Dewch 'mlan bois! Follow the Welsh team’s example and gain inspiration and determination to succeed today by doing the basics well and tackling your hearts out. Keep your discipline and emulate the desire and attitude that was displayed against Cross Keys and give The Drovers’ faithful supporters nothing less than maximum effort and something to cheer today!! Dymunwn pob Iwc i'r tim i sicrhau buddugoliaeth pwysig iawn i'r Porthmyn heddiw! 

A win for our Athletic away at Dunvant today will see them clinch The Polypipes League and with a home semi final versus Llangennech in the Cup to come on 5th April there is every possibility that this could be an "invincible" season for coach Geraint Williams and his exciting young squad of players. Pob Lwc - ewch amdani bois! 

The Youth are also having a fine season and are looking to consolidate second spot in the Scarlets Youth League by doing the double over Burry Port in today's home fixture on pitch 2. They are also through to the semi final of the cup with home advantage against Hendy.   Pob Lwc i chi hefyd bois — ewch amdani! 

May I take the opportunity of thanking today's trio of Match Sponsors, namely Messrs Lyn Davies, Pentremeurig; Eirian Davies, Ad-Clad and Barry Saunders, RWB Developments. Gentlemen, many thanks indeed for your generous support and hopefully you will all combine to bring us luck today! Many thanks also to our two Match Ball sponsors Dai 'Manchester' Evans and our insurers Hedley Davies. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to today's match officials, Croeso cynnes iawn i chi i Clwb Rygbi Llanymddyfri! 

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you once again for all your support. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

It’s been well over a month, (Feb 8th) since our 1st XV played a home game. If you can remember that far back – we won 19-6 against Cross Keys. Rugby at Premier level has been pretty thin on the ground since that date – particularly at Church Bank. 

However we have played away – a disaster at Neath, 80 points to 0, our biggest defeat in the Premier and quite possibly the largest defeat suffered by the club , certainly in recent history. I think history is where that result is best consigned to.  

Unfortunately the away game at Maesteg also found us pointless. There were great hopes that this could have been the turn-round point in the season, but it was not to be. Unfortunately due to an infection I was unable to attend but reports suggest we were probably the better side but poor decision making and errors gifted a vital 4 points to our opponents. As a result we sit in 14th place – but with a game in hand. 

No doubt it is gloom and disaster with our supporters and who can blame those who turn up to watch these defeats. However, I can assure all of you that the team have not given up thoughts of saving our position in the Premier division. There is a positive attitude, a determination to gain enough points to go above Maesteg and save the day. It will be tight – everyone knows this but it can be done! The squad will try their very best and not give up until results have either gone our way and we are safe or, in the worst scenario, we fail to save the day. 

I know it has been said before but now is the time your team needs support. They are trying their best to be positive so join them, get behind them and help as much as you can. Absolutely no player doesn’t care – doesn’t make deliberate mistakes, doesn’t deliberately miss tackles. If the team isn’t good enough it’s the best we have. The coaching team prepare them as well as they can so keep the faith.  

We have five home games, ( Ebbw Vale, Bridgend, Swansea, Newport and Glamorgan Wanderers), in the last eight with 3 away, (Aberavon, Glamorgan Wanderers and Llanelli). Can we get enough points from these for safety? 

Our Visitors Today

Our visitors today, Ebbw Vale, are once again proving to be one of the top sides in the division. They lie in 4th place in the table but have one game in hand over the second and third placed sides who are 1 and 6 points respectively ahead of the Steelmen. At present, unless something volcanic happens, it looks as if Neath with 78 points are going to win the title once again. However Ebbw are certainly well placed to command either second or third spot. After our game they travel to Cardiff to take on the second placed side. That will be an interesting match and I’m sure the visitors will not lack for vocal support.

In their last game the Steelmen fought a hard battle at Eugene Cross Park to emerge as winners by 13 points to 6. On a wet foggy night with Bryan Shelbourne as an emergency outside half the home side led by 10-6 at half time. A fine individual try by Simon Hunt, the only try of the game, plus a conversion and penalty by the same player against two penalties by Dai Flanagen, gave them a commanding lead. With very few opportunities for either side in the second half a second Hunt penalty saw an end to the scoring.

The year of 2008 has seen some rather mixed results for the Gwent side. Following their victory by 38-13 against the Drovers on Boxing Day they lost 11-10 away at Cross Keys, beat Maesteg at home by 28-13 and then crashed at Bridgend by the score of 32-6. Losses against Neath at home and Bedwas away were to show a degree of inconsistency which I’m sure the Drovers will hope to exploit this afternoon. Their last game was the home victory over Pontypridd. What does all this say – in the league the last time Ebbw Vale won away from home was on the 10th Nov at Rodney parade, but their home form is impressive having lost only two games.

In the Drovers game on Boxing Day the home side ran in 5 tries to gain a bonus point taking them to the top of the Premiership. In the press the Drovers were described as “very disappointing” – too good a Christmas day? A penalty try from a scrum, a try from out half Mike Delore plus 2 conversions and a penalty from Simon Hunt established a 17-6 half time lead, the Drovers score from Gareth James penalties. In the 2nd half converted tries from Kristian Owen, Simon Hunt and Andrew McLaughlan, against one from Steffan Thomas (converted by James) completed the scoring.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Croeso cynnes iawn i ein ymwelwyr yma heddiw i’r unig tim yn ein adran heb cyfieithiad Cymraeg, sef Clwb Rygbi Cross Keys. Today we extend a very warm welcome to our visitors from Gwent for what is a crucial game for the Drovers in the quest for Premiership survival.  

Cross Keys RFC are very fortunate to have extremely committed and dedicated individuals at ‘the helm’ in Chairman Colin Vernal and Secretary Chris Clarke who work tirelessly to develop and progress rugby at Pandy Park. Colin takes full responsibility for organising and co-ordinating his Club's remarkable sponsorship deals whilst Chris is also Chairman of the Premiership Group of Clubs and as such has been instrumental in helping to build stronger links between Premier Clubs and the WRU hierarchy by ensuring that as an organisation we continue to be properly represented as an important voice in Welsh rugby. On a personal note I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him over the past few years on the four man Premiership Panel (which also included Byron Mugford of Swansea and Mike Price of Neath RFC), which saw through the challenging introduction and adoption of the WRU Premiership Criteria which has now become so important to gaining and maintaining Premiership Club status, largely through emphasising the significance of investment in ‘off the field’ facilities and not focussing simply on lining overpaid players' pockets, which is still the scourge of Welsh rugby throughout the divisions. 

For information, the end of January 2008 saw the deadline for all existing Premiership and all aspiring Division One clubs to meet the raised criteria bar standard of 160 points. I am pleased to announce that Llandovery RFC has received WRU confirmation that we have passed and we await the outcome of other Club's results with a great deal of interest! Our latest improvements at Church Bank includes the new roof covering to the east terrace which has been undertaken since our last home fixture and, whilst the spectators who enjoy viewing games from this side will now be much drier, we have yet to provide the decorative ‘poppy red’ finishing touch trimmings to match the main grandstand. We will also be providing additional disabled spectator provision on the half way line before the season's end. At this juncture I would like to thank everyone involved in carrying out this work, in particular Club President Phil Davies for once again raising a very substantial amount of sponsorship and also to Mr. Eirian ‘Penlan’ Davies of Adeilad Cladding who has so generously donated the roofing sheets and is sponsoring the disabled viewing covered area. Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi am eich caredigrwydd at yr achos yma. 

One thing is for certain - unlike last season we can not again rely on criteria to avoid relegation but instead the coaches and players must do their utmost to turn things around – starting today with four points to take advantage of our game in hand to overtake Maesteg – who, incidentally managed to draw with Cross Keys at Llynfi Road.

Unlike last season neither will we win the Konica Minolta Cup this time, having come second best in our last round encounter against a strong scrummaging Aberavon side, earning the Wizards a home tie against Cardiff.  

If ever there was an example needed of how to transform the fortunes of a team it was in the way that Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have, in such a short space of time, managed to engender such inspiration and confidence into the same group of Welsh players who were so heavily defeated by England during the autumn World Cup warm up game at Twickers. What a fantastic result Wales achieved last Saturday at ‘HQ’, lifting the hearts of the Nation and giving us real hope for the future that at long last we appear to have what it takes to bring sustained success. It typifies and emphasises how important motivation and inspiration are to instil such self belief and confidence and I would like our 1^st  team players to take a leaf out of this book and give of their all for the final run in of games. If you, the players in the 1^st team squad, can adopt this same psyche and apply the same defensive determination as instilled by Shaun Edwards (who said to his players – if you miss a tackle, it’s like me missing the tackle), then I’m sure that victories will follow. Defence, as Edwards points out, wins games and it is no coincidence that our current league position also reflects the worst defensive record.  

Felly dewch ‘mlan bois, Come on boys! Follow the Welsh team's example and gain inspiration and determination to succeed by doing the basics well and tackling your hearts out. The Drovers' faithful supporters deserve nothing less than maximum effort from you – give us something to cheer today!! Dymunwn pob lwc i’r tim i sicrhau buddugoliaeth pwysig iawn i’r Porthmyn heddiw! 

Our Athletic continue their impressive march towards ‘doing the double’ – well clear at the top of The Polypipes League and also through to the semi final of the Cup versus Llangennech. Llongyfarchiadau i ti Geraint ar dy lwyddiant a pob lwc am weddill y tymor. Williams and his young squad of players are having an excellent season and the enjoyment in the way they play (on and off the pitch) is in many ways an expression of the coach’s own approach.  

The Youth XV suffered a reverse in their last outing away at Dunvant but with a few players returning to action they will be looking to bounce back in their next league fixture when they play Carmarthen Quins in a return to the Scarlets Youth League.    

Today’s Match Sponsors are Coors Brewers and our match ball sponsor today is Huw Arthur of Arthur Electrics, Llandovery. Many thanks for your generous support gentlemen and let us hope you bring us luck!

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to today’s match officials, Croeso i Clwb Rygbi LLanymddyfri! 

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you once again for all your support.  Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

A lot has happened since our last home fixture against Bedwas a month ago on the 5^th January. To be truthful we didn’t play well that day and many of our supporters went to seek solace in the bar before the final whistle had sounded and so missed our only score of the game – a Darren Daniel try with conversion by Richard Cunniffe in the last minute. As the newspapers said “ Without so much of a whimper the Drovers went down to their 11^th defeat in 13 league games”.

Since that time the results show little improvement but I can assure those of you that didn’t travel to the games at Pontypridd, Cardiff and Aberavon for the cup that the performances did improve from game to game. The performances were more committed and we matched the opposition in many aspects of play. Our defence has tightened up considerably but the ability to break the gain line and score tries still remains a problem. Two golden chances were presented at Aberavon but players failed to take advantage and the chances were lost. If these had been taken it would certainly have put a different complexion on the game.

Is our departure from the cup such a bad thing? We have won it and that can never be taken away from us but certainly last year all the efforts went into winning that cup and league results became a secondary consideration particularly in the light of the Division 1 leaders not being able to gain promotion because of the WRU criteria. This year there could well be promotion and therefore it becomes vital that we do not end up in 14^th position, the single relegation spot.

Hopefully we will get the help from our Region that we encounter when we play many of the other sides in the league.  For the Scarlets Region to drop to only one Premiership side would make rather a mockery of the whole idea of Regional rugby and would make the Scarlets/Llanelli a stand alone combo – 1^st and 2^nd teams?

Haydn Pugh was selected on the bench for the England v Wales under 20 game at Gloucester and came on during the defeat. Wales Number 8 Lloyd Phillips who played for us down at Cross Keys was injured during  the game and had to be stretched off.

Finally squad changes – former Captain Paul Jones has re-signed on a dual registration with Banwen whilst scrum half Adrian Williams has left the Drovers to join Pontyberem.

Our Visitors Today

The Keys visit us tonight comfortably placed in sixth position in the Premiership. Their victories are equalled by losses and they have one draw to their credit when they drew 10 all in Maesteg. Their last game before this was a mid-week fixture home to Cardiff. Although Cardiff secured the victory by 23 points to 19 the reports suggest that it was the better side on the night who lost.

On the credit side our visitors have triumphed against some of the league's best sides and their victories against Ebbw Vale, Wanderers, Pontypridd and Bridgend have helped the side to the top half. In defeat they have also done well, probably the best results were a bonus point loss against Neath at the Gnoll by the narrow margin of 19-12 and another bonus loss to Llanelli.

In the earlier encounter this season when the Drovers travelled to play the Keys there was only one side in it and a 37 points to 10 score showed the difference between the sides. A storming display by the home pack enabled the side to gain a 4 try bonus point. However despite the packs superiority it was full back Leon Andrews who was the star performer with all four tries converted and three penalties for good measure. This having been said it wasn’t a great game with plenty of basic errors and a lack of discipline by both sides.

 Recent results of the Drovers games with Cross Keys have gone in favour of the home sides. Last season the Keys walloped the Drovers at Pandy Park by 43 points to 17 but in the return game at Church Bank it was the Drovers who claimed victory by 22-16. Likewise  in 2005/6 the Keys again hammered the Drovers at Pandy Park this time scoring 43 but conceding nothing – but again come the return fixture at Church Bank and it was the Drovers who sneaked home by 11 points to 6. In terms of points for and against our visitors are well in the lead but all at Church Bank hope the recent pattern of results will continue this year.

Ten seasons ago, 1997/8 when the sides met at Church bank the Keys squad was C. Bushell, H. Laugharne, D. Harries, I. Bebb (c), R. Nicholls, G. Watts, C. Ellis, I Evans, L.Davies, R.Erskine, N. Kelly, M. Price, J. Powell, P. Watkins, C. Clements, T. Walsh, A. Price, G. Stroud, L. Gardner, S. Llewellyn, T. Williams.  How many of these do you remember?

To find out what a difference your sponsorship money can make, please visit http://www.sportrelief.com.

Thank you for your generous support!

The Llandovery RFC Friday Nite Club has been set up: 

• A Friday Nite Club for 18's and under.

• First disco & registration Friday 25th January 2008

• Free entry to first disco with registration

• Registration is an annual fee of £5.

• Discos to be every fortnight 8pm - 12pm £2.50 entry

• NO Alcohol served in the dance hall

• Alcohol - consumption restricted to 18's and over in lounge

• Meals available to parents or guardians in lounge area

NB: Any parents/guardians wishing to learn more about a Friday Nite Club are more than welcome to come along and see the facilities at our clubhouse and the potential it holds

Wales U20 Head Coach Patrick Horgan has announced a 30-man Six Nations squad which includes Drover Haydn Pugh as one of 3 locks. Also in the squad are the Scarlets' Lloyd Phillips and Rhys Williams, who have each appeared for us once this season.

A Penygroes rugby player whose ambition is to play for Wales was honoured with an award at the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens rugby championship in South Africa. Matthew Lemon, aged 18, received the player of the tournament award in the under-19s category. He represented Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Matthew, who plays full-back for Llandovery firsts, played against provincial teams from South Africa, Kenya and New Zealand. The former Maes-yr-Yrfa pupil has already been awarded three Welsh caps for rugby at under-18 level. Matthew has also played for the Scarlets' under-16, under-18 and under-20 teams. He was a member of the Urdd team that won a sevens rugby tournament in Dubai last year.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Blwyddyn Newydd Hapus a Iachus i bawb yn 2008! May I wish you all a Very Happy & Healthy New Year in 2008!

Croeso cynnes iawn i Clwb Rygbi Bedwas, ein ymwelwyr yma heddiw i Banc yr Eglwys. Today for this first fixture of 2008 we extend a very warm welcome to the players, management and supporters from Bedwas RFC. 

Bedwas like Llandovery are still probably considered by many to be the two least fashionable Clubs in The Principality Premiership, but here we both are, having fought our respective ways through the divisions to make it to the top flight of Welsh Club Rugby. Sustaining this status however is undoubtedly more of a struggle in comparison with many of the Regional Club entities and larger centres of population, nevertheless the fact remains that despite all odds we both continue to be there, fighting toe to toe with Clubs who either have far greater regional support or have the financial backing of a ‘sugar daddy’ benefactor.

In so doing both Clubs share a common purpose in that we also strive to support grass roots rugby and proudly uphold the tradition of being community clubs through continuing to foster age group rugby for children of all ages from eight to eighteen. This is in stark contrast to the majority of Clubs within this league who now enjoy the lavish luxury of just needing to focus on a single 1st team.

Every Club has a character and Bedwas is no exception. Mention this Club and you will find the name Weldon Davies is synonymously mentioned in the same breath. We have come to know Weldon as a very good friend over the years and it would indeed be very difficult to find a more staunch supporter and ambassador for his Club than Weldon anywhere. Small in stature but with a big big heart and a stalwart who has devoted his life to Bedwas RFC having also represented Cardiff RFC during his playing career. Weldon is never backwards in coming forwards with an opinion and is usually the one individual full of humorous stories and anecdotes about Welsh rugby - including quite often all the latest gossip hot off the press!

In recent times Weldon has not enjoyed the best of health, however I am glad to say that he is now gaining in strength and getting back to his ebullient, effervescent self.  

Today we are at the half way stage of the season in that this is our 13th league fixture and our record to date does not make an impressive review. Winning only 2 of our 12 league fixtures so far, we are only 1 point ahead of Maesteg who currently prop up the Premiership. Worryingly we have conceded more and scored fewer points than any other Club in this division. With bonus points available for the first time this season surely greater emphasis has to be given to scoring more tries whilst at the same time making it a priority to improve our frail defence.

Having crossed the whitewash only 17 times in 12 outings makes for disappointing reading, particularly when you reflect the fact that 12 of those tries have been shared equally in 3 games, meaning that in the other 9 games we have only scored 5 tries in total. Couple this with the statistic that we have converted fewer penalties or conversions this season than I can remember in recent times and unfortunately it does not offer any comfort to our faithful supporters. 

All is not doom and gloom however and if anything, history has always shown that The Drovers – when our backs are to the wall – have always confounded the critics, and have battled through each season to Premiership survival.

Injuries as always have a huge part to play in any successful season and it must be remembered that it is no coincidence that last Saturday we were able to field only 4 members of our fantastic Konica Minolta Cup Winning team.

We must therefore get on with the job, muster all the support we can get and at this juncture I would make a personal plea to The Scarlets as a region to do their utmost to recognise the importance of providing the necessary means and support to ensure that in future we are better equipped to represent the region in The Premier League.       

Once again today we have two Match Sponsors as has now become the norm, Messrs Clayton Griffiths of Llandovery and Mr. Brian ‘Maesydd’ jointly with Mr. Mike Kindred of Salem. Thank you very much gentlemen for your generous sponsorship. Today’s match ball sponsor is former player and Club caterer Wyn ‘Chippo’ Morgan. Thank you for all your valued support. 

Finally may I on behalf of the Committee extend our best wishes to both Tony Williams (former Club captain and lifelong friend) and Mrs Avril Williams (wife of former player and team mate, Gareth ‘Charlie’ Williams). It is with relief that I am pleased to announce both are by now happily recovering from very serious operation and illness respectively. Our very best Wishes for a continual, full and speedy recovery to you both. 

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick

Regrettably our recent form has left a lot to be desired and now we find ourselves one spot above the relegation position and that by a single point. Try scoring seems to be a lost art and since the victory over Maesteg on 3^rd Nov only one league try,  scored by Steffan Thomas at Ebbw Vale, has been recorded. All the  other 35 points in the four games played have come from the boot. The other issues of major concern are that in three of the games we have conceded penalty tries from 5m scrums and have ‘gifted’ 4 try bonus points to the opposition.

The previous match programme had to be produced (for the Llanelli game) well before the Christmas break because of printers' holidays and a lot has happened in that time. In the Konica Minolta we were extremely luck to get away with a victory against the students at UWIC and in truth there could have been no complaints if we had lost. We did score tries in this game but also conceded them, some of them being really soft and leaving us to play ‘catch up’.  A mid-table Division 1 side running us close at 32-29 didn’t suggest that the holiday games against Ebbw Vale and Llanelli would be easy affairs and so it proved.

Away at Ebbw vale on Boxing Day we were well beaten by a very good side on the day. Up front their forwards were too big and strong for us whilst the backs had the extra edge in pace that made it difficult to escape their clutches. Simon Hunt with a try, a penalty goal and 5 conversions was a major thorn in our side. A nasty throat high tackle by flanker Nio Aiono on Viv Jenkins landed the winger in hospital for Boxing night and the Ebbw player a red card.

Our last match at home to Llanelli was a pretty drab affair which gave the visitors their first league win at Church Bank in four years. It was familiar faults, a clear edge up front and greater speed behind the scrum that gave the fellow feeder club victory and a bonus point for 4 tries, again one a 5m penalty try.  It was the apparent lack of real spirit that seemed to upset most of the supporters and certainly they deserve more and today’s game is the best place to start.

Apart from the playing side the club is making progress. A new entrance should now give us extra criteria points and work is soon to begin on covering the far terracing, another 10 criteria points. The Committee are also actively seeking an upgrade of the floodlights.

Our Visitors Today

Bedwas visit us today in return for our visit to The Bridge Field for the second league Saturday of the season. Those of our supporters who travelled looking to the Drovers to build on their opening success at Newport would have enjoyed an open running game producing 79 points but wouldn’t have been too pleased to see their side concede 54 of these points. Both sides recorded try bonus points with the home side recording 7 touchdowns. Bedwas raced ahead from the kick off and reached 24 points before the end of the first quarter. This made it virtually impossible to catch up and the rest of the match was pretty even with Bedwas scoring a further 30 points to the Drovers 25.

So far this season Bedwas have recorded 5 victories and 1 draw in their first 12 matches. Their results are somewhat varied. As well as their early victory over the Drovers our visitors also defeated fellow regional side Llanelli by 30-15, with further victories over Cross Keys away, Swansea at home and then a morale boosting win against Newport last game by 21 points to 8. The drawn game was away at Bridgend. The games lost are in many ways predictable, Neath (1st), Ebbw Vale (2nd), Cardiff (3rd), Glamorgan Wanderers (4th ) and Pontypridd (5th) on the opening day of the season. Considering this good pattern it is even stranger that the club gave bottom side  Maesteg their only victory of the season when they lost by a single point 27-28 at the Bridge Field  

Over the last couple of seasons honours have been shared between the two clubs, although home advantage has not always helped the result as shown in 2005/6 when the Drovers lost at home 11-16 then later travelling to Bedwas and gaining the points from a 26-12 victory. Again 2006/7 was a victory apiece this time ground advantage helped with Llandovery running out victors by 28 points to 12 at home but losing 13-9 in the away fixture. I am certain that the Drovers will hope to continue the one victory each as the sides meet for the second encounter of the season.  Of course outside the league in the Konica Minolta Cup the sides clashed last season and in a thrilling game the Drovers were lucky to get away with a victory at Bedwas and judging on that game  Bedwas could also have gone on to victory at the Millennium Stadium.

Chairman's Welcome by Handel Davies 

Hoffwn ddymuno Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd! May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2008! Croeso cynnes iawn i ein ymwelwyr yma heddiw, sef y Clwb Rygbi byd enwog Llanelli. Today for this festive fixture we extend a very warm welcome to the players, management and supporters from fellow Carmarthenshire Premiership representatives and our closest neighbours in this League, Llanelli RFC. 

This annual derby fixture, as always, promises to be yet another Xmas cracker with both teams anxious to take the spoils in what is always the fiercest of competitive rivalry. Although the Drovers and the Stradey Park outfit have both manoeuvred their way through into the fourth round of the Konica Minolta Cup, Llanelli found the going tough before toppling village neighbours and feeder club Llangennech,  24-11, whereas the current holders stole yet another dramatic last gasp cup win against the students of UWIC. Having gone 19-3 down in the opening quarter of an hour, the Drovers showed tremendous character to score some excellent tries, none better than the clincher in the corner two minutes from the end by our Cup final try scorer Viv Jenkins, after a silky outside break by gliding centre Mike Jones.  

This is the League however and even though this season's form so far suggests Llanelli will start as firm favourites, this will count for nothing as we all know that in The Principality Premiership it’s always a case of “who’s up for it most on the day” that matters. Felly dewch ‘mlan bois! Gwnewch eich gorau glas heddiw er mwyn sicrhau buddugoliaeth pwysig iawn i’r Porthmyn! 

It is with sadness that we mention the passing of our back’s coach Lyndon Lewis’s mother after a long illness. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Lyndon and his family at this time.  

We are all still shocked and stunned following the tragic and untimely passing of a truly great Welshman. A giant of a man who was a legend in his own lifetime, a real hero, Ray Gravell. Cymro i’r carn! – mewn pob ffordd oedd Ray yn cawr yn gwir ystir y gair. Gwladgarwr heb ei ail. Nid yw Gorllewin Cymru wedi gweld neb tebyg iddo erioed, ac fe fydd ei waedd “West is Best” yn aros gyda ni gyd am byth! His love for Wales and all things Welsh was unique. He was a tremendous ambassador for his Country and culture.  He wore the Scarlet jersey of Llanelli, Wales and The Lions with unbounded pride and passion. To be in his company – whether on or off the pitch! – was an experience never to be forgotten, for he had the amazing ability to befriend everyone he met and it is ironic that Ray played his 485^th and last game of rugby for Llanelli at Llandovery. Fe fydd ei gof yn aros gyda ni gyd am byth.  

Finally I would like to thank today’s double Match Sponsors and fantastic supporters of the Club, Messrs George Parker of Parker Plant, Llanelli and Mr. Brian Jones of Castell Howell, Carmarthen. Gentlemen we appreciate your generous sponsorship and hope that you thoroughly enjoy your day at The Home of The Drovers. I would also like to thank our double match ball sponsors, Mr. Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council and Mr. Brian Phillips. We hope that you will enjoy the occasion and our hospitality. 

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth, thank you once again for all your support. Er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth, ni yma o hyd!

News and Views from Church Bank by John Kendrick -