The Ospreys development team were in friendly action this afternoon when they faced the Dragons A at the centre of sporting excellence, Ystrad Mynach
- A strong opening half from the Ospreys side, saw them lead 12-0 after twenty minutes after tries from Rhys Davies and Luke Morgan
- Despite a solid performance in the opening quarter the Dragons proved too strong for the development team in this afternoon's friendly
Early pressure from the pack took play into the Dragons 22, where the hosts struggled to defend against the Ospreys attack. Building up the phases, a strong drive from the forwards made room for Rhys Davies to ground the opening try of the game. Dylan Moss with the conversion to take the Ospreys 0-7 ahead with just over five minutes played.
But the Dragons tried their best to answer back, with a forceful attack in Ospreys territory. But as they edged closer to the tryline, the Ospreys kept their composure well and a lovely tackle from Tiaan Thomas Wheeler slowed down the pace, followed by a rip from his fellow centre Callum Carson to hand Ospreys back possession.
With the clearing kick landing just outside the Ospreys half, the Dragons came knocking once again, but were met by a relentless Ospreys defence. Charlie Davies with the turnover, securing the penalty for the visitors to hand the Ospreys the scrum. Holding their own well, and driving their hosts backwards, a nicely timed pick-up from Reuben Morgan-Williams sent the scrum-half through the gap in mid-field for the break. Offloading to his wing saw Luke Morgan turn on the gas to race over for the Ospreys second try of the game. The conversion just skimming the wrong side of the posts kept the scores 0-12 with less than 20 minutes on the clock.
Trying to get in the game, the Dragons took advantage of a penalty to kick for the lineout inside the Ospreys half, and quick pace saw them run the ball out wide for the try in the corner. No conversion kept the score 5-12.
And with momentum with the hosts it wasn’t long until their second try of the game came with a break in the centre. The conversion levelling the scores 12-12.
But the Ospreys were keen to take back their lead. With a penalty in hand, a kick to touch took them deep into the Dragons 22, and a strong drive from the pack saw them come within inches of the tryline once again. Despite notching up the phases and puncturing the Dragons defence, the Ospreys side struggled to turn their dominance into points and eventually the Dragons were able to steal the ball and kick out of the danger zone.
After kicking clear, and winning the lineout, the Dragons ran out wide once again to race up field and over the whitewash to claim their third try of the game. The conversion giving them the lead at half time.
Half-time: Dragons A 19 – 12 Ospreys Development team
Running out for the second half, the Dragons turned it up a gear. Keeping the Ospreys in their own half an Osprey attack was cut short with an interception pass midfield making room for the Dragons to run clear of the tryline. The conversion taking them 26-12 ahead.
But the Ospreys tried to hammer their way back against the Dragons defence, but their attack was cut short as they made headway into the Dragons 22.
Instead it was the Dragons who were able to turn their attack into points. Building up the phases left them score two quick converted tries after ill discipline left the Ospreys struggling to defend.
With the Dragons sitting comfortably ahead 40-12, the Ospreys tried to claw their way back into the game. Another strong attack from the side took them into Dragons territory once again with powerful runs from Harri Morgan taking the pack deeper upfield. But the Dragons defence was relentless and matched by their attack left the Ospreys scrambling their defences in the closing five minutes. Another two quick tries from the opposition extended their lead 52-12 as injury time set in.
Not throwing in the towel just yet, the Ospreys tried to conjure up an attack of their own building up the phases in the Dragons 22 but a turnover from the Dragons left them unable to add to their score at the final whistle.
The Ospreys Development team will kick off their Celtic Cup competition next weekend at the Morganstone Brewery Field against the Scarlets A, K.O 7pm.