Emirates Lions vs Osprens
United Rugby Championship
Emirates Airline Park
17th May 2025
It was score for score the whole way through this frantic physical encounter in our final game of the 24/25 URC season. The lead changed hands several times and Ospreys had it at 78 minutes and four tries a piece, but it was Lions who would grab the final score at the death to win by just one point.
The boys started the game off with a spring in their step, moving the ball well amongst the backs and asking some early questions of the Lions.
Despite the bright start for the Ospreys it looked like the home side had scored the first try of the game, but the ball was deemed to have gone forward after a quick check from the TMO.
Lions hit straight back though, with Edwil van der Merwe the eventual benefactor of a clinical break through. Lions 5 - 0 Ospreys.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! As the Lions were looking to exit from the kickoff, Will Griffiths used his frame superbly to charge down a kick and recover the ball for the score. Dan Eds converted. Lions 5 - 7 Ospreys.
Despite a lengthy spell of possession in Ospreys territory soon after the score, the Lions were unable to come away with any points. The boys were standing strong in the redzone in the early exchanges.
The Ospreys were the next team to go close. Luke Morgan put boot to ball after seeing an empty backfield and put in a rapid chase, but a retreating Lions defender was able to touch it down just before Luke came diving in.
A standout theme of the Ospreys first half was tenacious defending and line speed. The Lions were physical in nthe attack had very little time to create anything, with an Ospreys defender in their face at all times.
But finally, numbers on the right touchline, the Lions were able to trigger a breakaway and score their second try of the game. Conversion successful Lions 12 - 7 Ospreys.
With a couple of minutes remaining in the first, the Ospreys went close again as Reuben Morgan-Williams sniped through a gap, but an unlucky knock-on saw the ball lost.
A penalty gave the Lions a lineout on the Ospreys 5 metre line and it looked like they might add to their tally with the clock on red. Morsey didn't like the sound of that though, and came up big with a massive turnover that allowed the Ospreys to close out the half.
HALF TIME: Lions 12 - 7 Ospreys
The Ospreys started the second half similarly to the first, moving the ball slickly and winning the battle for territory. Every carry from the boys seemed to be breaking the gain line in the second half, pushing the Lions defenders back and ramping up the dominant carry stats.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! The home team could only hold the Ospreys out for so long, with Ratti putting in a powerful carry near the line to get the team’s second try of the game. Dan Eds converted. Lions 12 - 14 Ospreys.
The Emirates Lions answered back almost instantly with a rolling maul try to retake the lead. Jaco Visagie was the benefactor as he scored his second try of the game. Lions 17 - 14 Ospreys.
With 20 minutes left, the game was in the balance and opportunities were becoming more scarce thanks to organised defences by both teams. But, the Ospreys substitutes brought a much needed spark as space began to emerge and the boys spent more time in opposition territory.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! After some great work going through the phases, Keith broke through a gap in the Lions defence and offloaded a perfect pass to Jack Walsh who was able to finish untouched. Dan Eds converted and we took the lead once again. Lions 17 - 21 Ospreys.
Dobela won a turnover for the Lions and the broke alone, charging down the pitch. But, Iestyn Hopkins had some serious gas to chase him down and beat him to the ball, carrying it over to safety. A vital save!
But it would still be Lions with the next score, as a steady scrum in the Ospreys 22 allowed Van Wyk to slice in off a powerful offload. It was tit for tat again, with the lead swinging back in Lions favour with ten minutes to go. Lions 24 - 21 Ospreys.
Kieran Hardy nailed a kick into Lions territory, just missing out on a 50-22. But, Ospreys were still able to pressure at the lineout and eventually possession came back to us. The boys were hammering away at the Lions defensive line for phase after phase, until finally it was Sam Parry who crashed through for the score. The conversion was good with just two minutes to go. Lions 24 - 28 Ospreys.
But it would be heartbreak at the death in Johannesburg. With the clock in the red, Lions won a penalty and a strong maul from the resulting lineout was too much to contain. They powered over for the final score as the lead once again changed hands. Lions 29 - 28 Ospreys.
FINAL SCORE: Lions 29 - 28 Ospreys.
Thanks to all of our supporters who've cheered the boys on through thick and thin this season. We couldn't do it without you. See you next season, ready to go again.