Indigo Premiership Final Showdown: Cardiff And Llandovery Battle for Glory



Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist

In what promises to be an enthralling showdown, Cardiff and Llandovery are set to clash in the highly anticipated Indigo Premiership final.

Cardiff’s journey to the final has been impressive, losing just three games in league action this season. Their hard-fought 21-7 victory over Newport in the semi-final showcased their resilience, highlighting their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

On the other side of the pitch, Llandovery earned their rightful spot in the final with a narrow 16-13 triumph over Merthyr in a fiercely contested semi-final clash at their fortress, the Church Bank.

The sheer character and tenacity displayed by Llandovery in that encounter and throught the season means that they will be formidable contenders, ready to challenge for the trophy come Sunday evening.

Having finished at the top of the regular season standings, Cardiff holds a significant advantage, boasting a six-point lead over second-placed Llandovery.

This grants them the privilege of hosting the final in the familiar confines of their home, Cardiff Arms Park. The roaring support of their passionate home crowd will undoubtedly provide an added boost to the Cardiff players, fuelling their determination to claim victory on familiar turf.

However, Cardiff will face a setback as they enter the final without the services of their star player, Dan Fish. Fish’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, as his contributions have been instrumental in Cardiff’s success throughout the last few years.

Both teams have showcased their talent and will to play heads up rugby throughout the season, setting the stage for a titanic clash in the final.

In the Championship, Neath secured promotion back to the Indigo Premiership this week with a stunning 45-12 victory over Cross Keys, who were placed 9th. It marks their return to Welsh rugby’s top tier after enduring a long and arduous four-year period in the Championship, coinciding with the Covid Pandemic.

Under the leadership of Patrick Horgan, Neath has made significant strides during this time. Overcoming the looming threat of financial collapse, they now join Pontypool as two historic clubs making their way back to the Premiership next season.

However, before looking ahead, Neath still has unfinished business as they prepare to face Beddau this weekend. Currently positioned 9th in the standings, the hosts have games in hand on those above them, offering the club a chance to finish in the top half of the table.

In other Championship fixtures, 7th placed Bedwas face bottom side Tata Steel, while Narberth will be hosting Trebanos to conclude this weekend’s action.

Exciting times lie ahead for Neath and Pontypool as they look forward to their return to the prestigious Indigo Premiership. But for now, there’s still plenty of rugby to be played and plenty of drama to unfold in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Pontypool are also hitting the road as they take on Ystalyfera, who currently sit in 13th place. Pooler managed to maintain their flawless record last weekend by the skin of their teeth, with Dai Langdon stepping with a last-minute drop goal, snatching a dramatic 31-29 victory against Ystrad Rhondda.

Can Pooler do the unthinkable, having won all 25 games this season and with just one game left, and finish the season invincible?

It’s all to play for this weekend!