A narrow victory by 10 points to 8 over the Dragons at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Tuesday (20th) evening kept the Young Ospreys under 20's on track for a fourth consecutive Reebok Final.
This Dragons team were certainly made of stearner stuff than the one which the Young Ospreys turned over comprehensively at Rodney Parade back in September, and, there could have been no complaints from the Young Ospreys if they had been pipped at the posts in this match. Outside half Richard Powell gave the Dragons the lead with a penalty after 10 minutes. Following this the Young Ospreys took control of possession but failed to score a try even after crossing the line on two ocassions. Eventually outside half Daniel Biggar (pictured) drew the Young Ospreys level with a penalty goal which gave a half time score of 3 points all. Early in the second half the Young Ospreys again controlled a great deal of possession and when eventually replacement back row forward Jonathon Griffiths scored a try (which Biggar converted) it looked like they would go on to a comfortable win. However, the Dragons were having none of it and stoic defence from them kept the Young Ospreys at bay. Then in the 75th minute there was a hammer blow for the Young Ospreys as Powell scored a try which full back Jason Tovey fortunately failed to convert from the touchline. For the last 5 minutes Young Ospreys supporters were on the edge of their seats as they saw the Dragons create a couple of try scoring opportunities which they failed to finish off. Coaches Garin Jenkins, Filo Tiatia and Sean Connor will hopefully just have enough time (Monday training) to be able to work with the players in order to improve performance ahead their match with the Blues at Jenner Park, Barry, on Tuesday 27th November.