U16's maintain winning start to the season while U18's suffer defeat at Cardiff Arms Park
There’s no stopping the Ospreys U16’s who not only took the Blues North’s unbeaten WRU Regional Age Grade Championship record but maintained their own with a fourth successive victory of the season, at Llandarcy Academy of Sport last night.
However, the Eyasses left it late, with Liam Popham snatching a 10-8 victory for his side with a try three minutes from time.
Outside half Josh White, who had earlier kicked a penalty, converted from the touchline and the Ospreys managed to hold out for the final few, heart-stopping moments.
Jarrod Evans’ 25th minute penalty provided the North with the advantage and when scrum half Shaun Clarke muscled his way in for an unconverted try shortly after half time, the visitors looked well set for a fourth successive victory of the campaign, and a first away from their home base at Abercwmboi.
However, it was the Ospreys who came out on top thanks to Popham and White with Team Manager Graham Court admitting that his side let out a huge sigh of relief on the final whistle.
“It was an excellent game once again but a very tight one at that,” said Court.
“To be honest the North had plenty of chances but I thought we defended particularly well and hung in there until Liam grabbed his chance. The conversion was a tough one, but Josh has been magnificent for us this season and he made no mistake. We were glad to hear the final whistle.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t such a close run affair at Cardiff Arms Park where the Blues U18’s ran out 41-7 winners against the Ospreys.
Cory Allen, Harry Robinson (2), Owen Rees (2) and Ryan Evans all crossed for the Blues with outside half Rhys Patchell adding three conversions and Garin Thomas one. Patchell also kicked a penalty while for the Ospreys, Nicky Smith scored their lone try and Sam Davies converted