Preview: RGC face Llandovery
RGC return to Stadiwm CSM on Saturday
RGC face Llandovery on Saturday, 2.30pm at Stadiwm CSM.
FORM
Llandovery are 2 from 2 with wins against Swansea and Newport in the opening rounds.
The Gogs are coming off an impressive win against Pontypool, a team who were unbeaten at home for a year.
Last Season, the Drovers won the SRC Trophy and league-wise finished 4th in the regular season.
HEAD TO HEAD
History shows they are high-scoring games with an average of just under 57 points scored between both sides in the past 5 games. Llandovery have won 4 and RGC 1, which was a 28-23 victory last September with tries from Dan Owen, Conner Dever, and Billy McBryde.
OPPOSITION
The headline arrival is Corey Baldwin, a versatile centre or wing and an Old Llandoverian returning to his roots. Baldwin first made his name with 17 appearances for the Drovers before spells with the Scarlets, Exeter Chiefs, and Dragons. Now 26, he’s looking for a fresh start after injuries disrupted a career once tipped for the top. His powerful running and proven finishing ability will add real firepower to the backline.
Baldwin will face competition from Will Thomas, who arrives after a standout season at Premiership side Llangennech, and from Gryff Watkins, the hugely promising Llandovery College centre who captained his school to the Welsh Schools and Colleges title. Young full-back Sion Jones, a former Junior Drover and Scarlets-attached player, is another name to keep an eye on.
Up front, hooker Cameron Lewis—son of former Llandovery coach Lyndon Lewis—rejoins his old mentor Euros Evans after time with Aberavon. A dynamic and skilful player, Lewis brings balance to a refreshed forward unit. Dan Gemine, part of Wales’ U20 World Cup squad, adds athleticism and versatility in the second row/back row, while former Wales U20 tighthead Tom Pritchard makes the switch from Cardiff Met. He’ll be joined by younger brother Jac Pritchard, another Scarlets Academy tighthead with big potential. Rising Lampeter lock Kai Jones, outstanding at the recent U18 International Festival, completes a strong group of new recruits.
PLAYER PERSPECTIVE
Osian Burt "It was a tough game, played in some challenging conditions at Pontypool, and to get a win when they were unbeaten in a year is what we need to build on. We stayed in the game, and had the composure and belief to push on in the final minutes.
You always know when you play at Pontypool, it's a game where it's won and lost upfront, and the pack dominated the set piece.
But it's about backing it up this Saturday. Llandovery are last season's cup winners; they are a strong side that always bring an attacking threat - so defensively, we need another big performance.
I'm sure the supporters will be in for an entertaining game, and history shows the games will have tries in it .
We came out with the win at Stadiwm CSM last season, and we want to build some momentum in the league with another result Saturday."
TICKETS
Early Bird tickets available until Midnight Friday - book and save money.