Under 16s teams from around Ospreylia were in action on Sunday in the finals of the Ospreys Cup
It was Ospreys Cup Finals Day part two on Sunday as clubs from around the region descended on Llandarcy for the Under 16s Finals. With 23 teams from across Ospreylia taking part in this year’s competition, it was a chance to reward some of the partaking players, clubs and fans for their hard work throughout the season.
As with the Under 15 final day, it was a highly successful festival of rugby with the spectators enjoying some exciting and hard fought games. As well as the on field entertainment, there was plenty for all the family to do off pitch with the WRU development coaches for the region running touch and tag rugby games as well as cage rugby and WRU Street stars throughout the day.
Eight teams were in action, with four finals being played throughout the day.
Cwmafan and Pontarddulais kicked things off with the Shield Final, where despite a strong season, Cwmafan were no match on the day for the powerful Pontarddulais side who managed a whitewash with a 29 - 0 win.
A dominant performance by Tonmawr saw them convincingly beat Ystalyfera 29 - 10 in the Plate, but the Cup Final was a much closer affair, which either team could have walked away with. However, it was Nantyffyllon who eventually claimed the silverware beating Neath Athletic 26 - 17.
The day then came to a close with the Bowl Final between Mumbles and Pencoed. With hardly anything between the teams from opposite ends of the region an exciting but close game ensued. The team from the West came away with bragging rights though, edging out Pencoed with a 20 - 15 victory.
Ben Rose, WRU Development Manager for the Ospreys region remarked on the event:
"The aim of the Ospreys Cup is to provide meaningful competition to clubs in the age grades. With the two different leagues within the competition it means that opportunities to compete are available for all clubs no matter how strong their squad is.
“As with last week's Under 15's day, today has been hugely successful. The support for all the participating teams has been outstanding and everyone has had a fantastic day with the chance to get involved in the different activities that we have had on offer.
“On the pitch we have witnessed some really impressive individual and team performances and overall a very high standard of rugby. Hopefully these players will continue with their rugby, progressing on to youth and senior teams at the clubs that they are representing today, or perhaps even to playing for the Ospreys and Wales one day."
It wasn't just the teams making the news though on the day but also the officials. Referee Kath Pritchard made Ospreys history as the first woman to take charge of an Ospreys Cup Final match.
Nathan Johns, organiser of the competition, commented on her and her colleagues:
"Without qualified referees like Kath, giving up their Sunday Morning, there would be no Ospreys Cup competition. Kath's performances this season have proved her ability time and time again. I hope Kath can be an inspiration to ladies everywhere to take up refereeing In what is seen, stereotypically, as a predominantly male role.”
To see our extensive gallery of images from the day, courtesy of Huw Evans Images, click here