Coaches Keith Holifield and Jeff Pick would have been delighted with the intensity of last nights (Tuesday) under 19 match with Hartpury College; but disappointed to have lost.
With such an array of forward talent already established in the under 20 squad, this friendly fixture allowed 4 of last seasons successful under 18 Reebok winning team to get their first outing in a Young Osprey jersey this season. Flanker Jack Shaw (pictured), No 8 Sam Williams, 2nd Row Richard Hnyda and Prop Ryan Thomas reminded the under 20 team and its management, who watched the match, that if there is any reduction in playing standards that they are in the wings waiting. Hartpury College, which has strong links with both the Gloucester and Worceter Academies, provided the level of opposition that is required to enable the under 20 management team to make a valuable observation on performance. For the second year on the trot they won the fixture by a narrow margin; this time by 14 points to 10. The Young Ospreys certainly could have won the fixture if they'd had their kicking boots on, as a number of opportunities were squandered. For the Young Ospreys under 18 squad member Keiran Weightman grabbed a brace of tries to Hartpury's brace, which were both converted. Next up for the Under 19's will be a fixture with the British Army which will again take place at the South Wales Police ground on Tuesday 30th October, 7pm kick off.