Heavy Sardis defeat gives Drovers food for thought ahead of opener.

(From Carmarthen Journal)

LLANDOVERY ended their preparations for the new season with a heavy 62-14 defeat at the hands of Pontypridd at Sardis Road.

After good wins over Carmarthen Athletic and Cinderford, hopes were high that the Drovers would offer last year''s top of the table Premiership side a stern challenge but in the end the visitors were soundly beaten.

The absence of key players Lee Rees, Adam Warren, Rhodri Williams and Kieran Murphy - on duty for the Scarlets against Exeter Chiefs - and a raft of injuries to other important players proved too much against a very strong Ponty.

On the evidence of this game Ponty will be one of the …