Parc y Scarlets hosted an all Ospreylian clash between Bridgend and Swansea Valley to decide the winner of the Morgan Griffiths Plate on Wednesday evening.
Parc y Scarlets hosted an all Ospreylian clash between Bridgend andSwansea Valley to decide the winner of the Morgan Griffiths Plate on Wednesday evening.
Both teams tried to play some good running rugby despite the slippery conditions but it was Bridgend who got off to the perfect start when good pressure forced an error in handling from Swansea Valley and centre Sam Richards was able to show some good running skills and strength to force his way over in midfield from the resulting scrum before converting his own try.
Swansea Valley then responded with some very aggressive and powerful forward play dominating a much bigger pack in the contact area allowing them to work a try after some sustained pressure, which was very well converted by centre Ben Williams.
However the game became a battle back and forth between the teams and the next score went to Bridgend when fullback Stuart Floyd Ellis counter attacked from a loose kick with some wonderful footwork, silky running and an excellent rugby brain to release flanker Ross Boast over in the corner. The remainder of the half was all Swansea Valley with Bridgend valiantly defending their line and did well not to concede before half time.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first half with Bridgend having the best of the early exchanges and a try for centre Garyn Lougher after successfully taking a cross kick from fellow centre Sam Richards allowing him to race away under the posts for a simple conversion to take the scores to 19-7.
Swansea Valley then capitalised on some Bridgend errors and lack of discipline, scoring from a scrum, which resulted in two Bridgend players being sent to the sin bin. With Bridgend down to 13 and Swansea Valley making a number of substitutions the Bridgend team were forced to defend for their lives and did extremely well to hold out for the 10 minutes.
With both teams making all their substitutions Bridgend were again in the driving seat and missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead in the finals moments with replacement Daniel James being held up over the line and full back Stuart Floyd Ellis losing the ball with the line at his mercy. However, the final result was fair to both teams with a fine display of what the future holds for the Ospreys - it is clear that the future is very bright for the region.