Dragons vs OSPREYS
BKT UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
rodney parade
25TH OCTOBER 2025
Ospreys try scorers: Harri Deaves, Phil Cokanasiga, Iestyn Hopkins.
A strong first half from Ospreys was met with a second half response from the hosts, Dragons. With the clock in the red the scores were tied at 19 a piece, and 6 minutes of overtime wasn't enough to separate the sides, with the game ending in a draw.
The boys got off to a strong start, controlling the territory and asserting early dominance over the Dragons pack.
The first opportunity of the game went Ospreys' way, but the home side’s defence was able to keep them out after an Ospreys lineout on their five. A tense first 10 minutes, as we remained scoreless.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! On 15 minutes, Deavesy put on his best scrum half impression and sniped to the left of a ruck before outrunning a few Dragons backs to finish superbly. Conversion missed, Dragons 0 - 5 Ospreys.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Just six minutes later, the boys ran a set play and Nagy pierced through the Dragons defence in midfield, he sensed Phil on his left shoulder and timed a perfect pass to beat the last man. Phil Cokanasiga dotted it down over the white line, before Dan Eds converted. Dragons 0 - 12 Ospreys.
The boys began to find their stride after the first two scores. The pack were carrying with a vengeance and the backs were timing their set plays to perfection. A quality showing throughout the first 30 minutes on all fronts.
Despite the Ospreys dominance, it appeared that Dragons struck back with a try of their own, but an obstruction was spotted by the TMO as it was chalked off.
The disallowed score did seem to liven up the Dragons, who began to enjoy a good spell towards the end of the half.
The Dragons were eventually rewarded, as Rhodri Williams dived over off the back of a strong maul. Dragons 7 - 12 Ospreys.
Despite the boys looking in control for a majority of the first half, the sides were still only separated by five at the break.
HALF TIME – Dragons 7, Ospreys 12.
The boys came out flying in the second half and were the first team to go close after Iestyn Hopkins broke through. He passed out wide to Sutts close to the touchline, but a recovering Dragons defender made a last ditch tackle to prevent the score. However, it wasn't long before the Dragons line was breached.
TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Phil Cokanasiga spotted a mismatch in midfield, offloaded, before a series of pop passes ended with Iestyn Hopkins going over for the Ospreys’ third try on 47 minutes. Dan Eds converted, Dragons 7 - 19 Ospreys.
Whilst the Ospreys attack won most of the plaudits of the opening 50 minutes, the defence were making it near impossible for the Dragons to create opportunities, forcing them to the boot regularly.
The Dragons did begin to put pressure on the Ospreys defence over the next 10 minutes, having a spell of pressure near in the Ospreys redzone. Eventually the pressure told and the home team were able to force their way over through the maul. De Beer converted, Dragons 14 - 19 Ospreys.
After the Dragons score, the home team seemed to up a gear, asking more questions of the Ospreys defence and enjoying more comfortable possession, backed by a vocal Rodney Parade crowd.
On 76 minutes the Dragons finally made their pressure tell, crossing for a try through Oli Burrows. The conversion was missed, setting up what would ultimately be the final score Dragons 19 - 19 Ospreys.
On the 79th minute, Tinus de Beer had the chance to take victory for the hosts with a penalty, but was unsuccessful in his attempt.
Neither side wanting to leave empty handed, they set out to play, with possession changing hands multiple times. Ultimately neither side could make it count, with a Dragons knock on ended proceedings.
FULL TIME: Dragons19 - 19 Ospreys.
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