Scarlets v Ospreys
United Rugby Championship
Parcy y Scarlets
26th December 2025
Ospreys try scorers: Owen Watkin, Dewi Lake, Kieran Hardy, Iestyn Hopkins
The West Wales Derby needs no introduction. Winning the West Wales Derby needs no explanation.
Four tries, a bonus point, and some fearless defending saw Ospreys come out on top at Parc y Scarlets and put the away leg to bed for another year. Boxing Day donesn't come better!
The opening passages were all to play for as neither side could keep a clear advantage of possession or territory. Scarlets had the more positive start of the game after an early turnover gave them a good platform to attack in the Ospreys 22. A long miss pass saw Joe Roberts with the opportunity to score in the corner, but a quality tackle from Jack Walsh denied him.
It looked like the home team had the first try of the game not long after. A penalty in the 22 allowed them to go for the corner and Jake Ball bundled over the line a few phases after. But, it was chalked off by the TMO for a double movement. Nil nil, still.
The opening 10 minutes were a physical encounter, with multiple players being treated for blood injuries after a couple of incidental contacts. Scarlets won the battle for possession and territor, but the Ospreys defensive line held strong and they were unable to convert into points.
With just under 20 minutes played, Ospreys were reduced to 14 for an intentional knock on. The boys did well to weather the storm and began to feel their way into the game despite the one-man disadvantage and the lack of posession.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Ospreys won a penalty and opted for the corner. Scarlets were able to stop the maul, but a few powerful carries by the pack opened the door for Owen Watkin to slide in under the sticks. Dan Eds converted. Scarlets 0 - 7 Ospreys.
Posession converted where it counts! The boys continued to hold strong in defense. Deavesy was carrying with a vengeance in the first half, putting the fend into multiple defenders’ chests and evading tacklers at any opportunity.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! With the boys restored to their full complement and having a lineout on the Scarlets five, they went to the maul and Dewi was able to profit with the try. Dan Eds converted a tough kick near the right touchline to cement the lead. Scarlets 0 - 14 Ospreys.
The Scarlets answered back almost instantly, as some patient play through the phases eventually triggered a move by the backs, sending Joe Robertsover in the corner. Try converted. Scarlets 7 - 14 Ospreys.
HALF TIME: Scarlets 7 - 14 Ospreys.
There was a tense feel to the opening exchanges of the second half, with both teams finding unforced errors overly apparent in their attack.The kicking game took priroity as both teams opted for the boot regualrly. Luckily, Walshy looked imperious in the air, winning every high ball in his vicinity.
Dan Edwards and the back three were doing excellent work in ther kicking battle, finding constant space in the Scarlets backfield whilst simultaneously covering their own for return kicks.
With opportunities few and far between, the next almost moment went the way of the Ospreys. A loose Scarlets pass was volleyed by Owen Watkin who chased it down, but it was recovered by Ellis Mee for a goal line dropout.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! A loose ball was secured by Ospreys and Morgan Morris pelted it for the left touchline. Morris gave a neautiful pass to Iestyn Hopkins, who triggered a two-on-one for Jack Walsh and Kieran Hardy for Hardy to finish. Try converted. Scarlets 7 - 21 Ospreys.
With just under 20 to go, Ospreys were reduced to 14 again for a deliberate knock on in their 22. Scarlets took advantage of the extra man to apply pressure, but the resulting lineout went wayward and Dan Eds was able to clear.
The man advantage was too much and Scarlets struck next. A well delivered miss pass from Joe Hawkins gave Joe Roberts the chance to finish and he took it. Conversion missed with 10 to go. Scarlets 12 - 21 Ospreys.
The final ten were a frantic finish. Ospreys were on the attack, and Dan Edwards sent a cute dink out onto the wing. Who was waiting? Enter Iestyn Hopkins, who just can't help but score in a West Wales Derby! Hopkins slid in the for bonus point try and secured the game for Ospreys with just minutes remaining. Conversion missed. Scarlets 12 - 26 Ospreys.
The clsoing play of the game went to Scarlets. Camped in the Ospreys 22, they sent Jarroy Taylor over for the score. A high hit on Dan Edwards went unchallenged, and the Scarlets secured a final try. Not converted. Scarlets 19 - 26 Ospreys.
In 2023 we won the West Wales Derby in Llanelli for the first time in eight years. Now that's two away Boxing Day victories back-to-back. Up the Ospreys!
FULL TIME: Scarlets 7 - 14 Ospreys.
Don't miss out on the second act of festive rugby fun, as Cardiff visit the Brewery Field on New Year's Day. The boys want to make it two from two, and they need you there to cheer them on and show them what their effort means to you.
ickets are flying out, so make sure you get yours now!
