PONTYPOOL were given a 48-26 hammering by leaders Llandovery in the Premiership on Friday night, although they did rally for a bonus.

The champions produced an impressive performance at Pontypool Park to make a statement in their battle with Newport for top spot.

The double-chasing Drovers, who have lost just once this season, ran in eight tries and got the job done before the break with a 36-7 lead.

However, Pooler at least showed spirit to notch a four-try bonus and close the gap to fourth-placed Cardiff to eight points ahead of the Blue and Blacks' trip to Newport.

Hooker Sam Scarfe went over in the first half for the hosts and then his fellow Dragons prospect Morgan Lloyd took centre stage after the break, the lively scrum-half scampering over for a hat-trick.

Kian Abraham scored a hat-trick for the Drovers, hooker Taylor Davies went over twice, Jac Davies crossed and wing Aaron Warren scored one and handed another to his brother Adam, the former Dragons stalwart, on a plate.

The defeat leaves Pooler with no margin for error if they are to sneak into the top four with six fixtures left to play in the regular season.