To Be the Best is the moto that the Young Ospreys have adopted from the British Army, however, yesterday (Sunday) at Corus RFC it was the British Army who came out best with a 28 points to 16 victory.
It is the first time that the Army have been victorious in matches between the various Young Ospreys age groups and their delight at the end of the game demonstrated what they thought of their achievements. The Young Ospreys were first on the score sheeet with a Dan Biggar penalty before Army full back Rhydian Slade-Jones crossed for the first of their 4 tries. Two more tries came before the interval from wing James Griffin and centre Andy Newns, outside half Sam Whitlam converted one. Biggar kicked a second penalty before having to leave the field with a recurrence of a knee injury; it was 17 points to 6 at half time. Replacement wing Dorian Thomas (pictured) brought the Young Ospreys back into it with a hard fought for try. However, the Army were not going to be outgunned and they scored a further try from their captain second row forward Dave Fergeson. Replacement full back Scott Hancock scored a late try which centre Scott Robinson converted for a final score of Young Ospreys under 20's 18 points - the British Army under 21's 28. In a game which was used by the Young Ospreys to blood younger palyers to a higher stage wing forward Andrew Bale (pictured) had an outstanding game, while prop forward Mathew Jeffreys showed that he has the qualities to play at this level if he can keep free of injury. Unfortunately open side flanker Chris Davies who was making his Young Ospreys debut had to leave the field after 10 minutes with a dislocated knee cap.