The Ospreys U18’s were looking to continue their winning ways after a triumphant 66-5 win over RGC a fortnight ago,as they faced Northampton Saints U18s at the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field on Friday.
- Trailing 33-0 at the break, tries from Will Barraclough, Tom Bending and Dyfan Ceredig brought the Ospreys back into the game with a conversion from Luke Scully.
- Despite winning the second half 17-7, a dominant first half from Northampton left the Ospreys with too much to catch up
After a heavy rain shower cleared, the Ospreys U18s ran out at a sunny Brewery Field to take on the young Northampton side.
The opponents took control of the game early on and juswith t five minutes on the clock, a dominant attack took Northampton into the Ospreys 22, where a pass out wide to Adam Williamson left the wing clear to run in for the opening try.
Just minutes later, the attack from Northampton proved far too strong, and some quick, clever passing saw them score the second try. Fin Creighton with the conversion took them ahead 0-12 with just under 10 minutes played.
The Ospreys tried to counter-attack, and found themselves in a great position in Northampton’s 22 to get themselves into the game but a knock on over the line mean they were unable to finish off their chance.
Northampton were quick to take their opportunities. Stealing the ball out of Ospreys hands and a good overlap out wide saw them once again break into the Ospreys half.
Powerful in attack, the hosts struggled to stop the Northampton pack, with Sol Hyde eventually breaking through for the third try. Creighton on target with the conversion extended their lead to 0-19.
Firmly in control of the game, Northampton made quick work of the next stages of play scoring two tries within minutes of each other. Creighton slotting both conversions put them comfortably ahead 0-33 as the half-time whistle blew.
Half Time Ospreys U18s 0 - 33 Northampton Saints U18s
With a 33 point mountain to climb, the young Ospreys charged out for the second half determined to find a way back into the contest.
A break from Frankie Jones took play into Northampton’s 22 once again, only for a powerful tackle to force a knock on.
Back in control of the game, Northampton charged through the Ospreys defence to race back upfield but a strong tackle from Will Barraclough stopped them in their tracks. However, the tackle was judged unlawful and Barraclough was shown yellow and sent to the sin bin leaving the Ospreys down to 14.
Despite the one man disadvantage, the Ospreys maintained their composure well and kept pushing Northampton back out of their 22, denying them any territory.
Back to the full contingent, the Ospreys started to show signs of aggression, and some great interplay from the backs took them close to the whitewash, and shortly after his return to the field a break from Barraclough put the Ospreys on the board.
Luke Scully’s conversion brought the scores to 7-33 with 15 minutes left to play.
With momentum on their side the young Ospreys stole lineout ball in Northampton’s half and a counter attack saw it moved out wide where Tom Bending flew off his wing to score his team’s second try, the conversion slightly wide..
Dominating the second half, the Ospreys once again took control of play, a penalty in their favour alllowing a good clearing kick deep in the Saints 22 to put the home team in a great attacking position.
Securing the ball from a lineout, a powerful drive from the forwards saw Dyfan Ceredig crash over the line for a try. The conversion was missed again, falling slightly short to leave the score at 17-33.
Northampton wanted to have the last say, breaking through the Ospreys defence from the restart to score the final try under the posts. The conversion sealing the win..
Next up for the Ospreys U18s is an away fixtitre against Exeter Chiefs on Wednesday 23rd August, before a return to the WRU Regional Age Grade Championship with back to back games against Blues South and Blues North before August is out.