A young Ospreys team showed signs of promise in the second half, but a fast start from a strong Connacht side meant the Ospreys could only come away with a try bonus point.
An early Ospreys mistake in led to Connacht scoring the first points with a penalty following a scrum. Connacht 3, Ospreys 0.
Connacht were able to add another three shortly after, extending their lead to six as we closed on the ten-minute mark. 6-0 to the home side.
Ospreys enjoyed a good spell of possession on the outskirts of the Connacht 22, but a big defensive hit eventually resulted in a penalty for the home side and Connacht were able to clear their lines.
A quick break from Connacht created space and they were able to convert the opportunity into seven points. 13-0 Connacht.
A second try for Connacht soon followed. With the 30 minute mark approaching, the home side broke away to extend their lead. 20-0.
A third try for Connacht as the home team found a hole in the Ospreys defence and were able to finish under the posts. 27-0.
Despite some quality defence from Connacht, the Ospreys were beginning to open some gaps with some great handling as halftime approached.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The boys marched their way down the pitch and were able get the ball out wide to Keelan who showed quick feet to finish in the corner. 27-5.
HALF TIME – CONNACHT 27, OSPREYS 5.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The boys started the second half well and there was a quality break from Jack Walsh who passed inside to Reuben Morgan-Williams to finish. Walsh converts: Connacht 27, Ospreys 12.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The boys came out in the second half with a bang. A smart kick from Reuben was carried over by the retreating Connacht player and resulted in an Ospreys scrum. Debutant James Ratti continued on from his solid first half and powered his way over the line. Walsh converts, Connacht 27, Ospreys 19.
Connacht then answered back with a try of their own which they converted. Connacht 34, Ospreys, 19.
Ospreys were firing on all cylinders in the second half, with this young team showing definite signs of things to come in the 23/24 season.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Rhys Davies secured the bonus point for the Ospreys and Jack Walsh converted to bring it within 8.
FULL TIME - CONNACHT 34, OSPREYS 26
Enjoyed the start of the season? Join us for a first home game of 23/24 on Saturday 28th October agaisnt Zebre, kick off 1pm. We'll be celebrating Justin Tipuric's 200th cap: it's an incredible achievement for the man in the blue hat and we need as many supporters as possible to pack the stands and show our captain what he means to our region.