Morgan

Ospreys the victors in physical battle at the Swansea.com Stadium

Ospreys came away with a crucial win in the race for the Welsh Shield, picking up a bonus point in the process.

The game got off to a heated start, with an early scuffle in Dragons territory and some great battles at the breakdown.

TRY FOR OSPREYS! A penalty gave Ospreys possession deep into Dragons territory and some consistent carrying from the pack was eventually finished by captain Nicky Smith. Jack Walsh converted, 7-0 Ospreys.

Ospreys were causing some real problems for the Dragons in the ruck, turning the ball over at crucial points in Dragons’ attacks.

Ospreys added to their tally not long after the first score. A penalty at the scrum was converted into 3 points by Jack Walsh.

Dragons answered back not long after through a penalty of their own, 10-3 Ospreys.

The scrum was causing real problems for the Dragons early on, as Nicky Smith and Tom Botha seemed to have the opposition’s number early on.

As we hit the half hour mark, Dragons were penalised for a late hit on Jack Walsh. Walsh made them pay with his right boot, adding another three to his tally. 13-3 Ospreys.

Another late hit from the Dragons saw Ross Moriarty sent to the sin bin, and then:

WHAT A TRY! A lineout move straight off the training ground saw Ethan Roots burst though, offload to Dan Lydiate who powered way over for the score.

Dragons knock over a penalty just before halftime to close the gap.

HALFTIME - OSPREYS 18, DRAGONS 6.

 

Ospreys came out with a chip on their shoulder and Dragons came out with another late hit on Jack Walsh. This time it’s high, as well as late, and Sio Tomkinson find himself sent off.

TRY FOR OSPREYS! The late hit couldn’t stop the flow of the Ospreys attack. Reuben Morgan-Williams popped a great pass out wide to Morgan Morris who darted infield and finished ruthlessly. Luke Scully fresh on for Jack Walsh knocked a tough kick over. Ospreys 25, Dragons 6.

TRY FOR OSPREYS! A wonderfully worked move resulted in Alun Wyn Jones being open on the right wing, who offloaded superbly to Owen Watkin. Watkins gave it to Reuben Morgan-Williams who was brought down near the line. Shortly after, Ospreys whipped it out wide and Iestyn Hopkins went over for his first  Ospreys score. Conversion missed, 30-6.

Dragons scored almost instantly after, with Jordan Williams on the end of his own chip through. Conversion missed, 35-11 Ospreys.

TRY FOR OSPREYS! Dewi Lake powered his way through the middle, which opened it up for Keiran Williams to put on the afterburners from halfway and go over for the score. Scully converted, 37-11 Ospreys.

With 15 minutes to go, Dewi Lake was sent to the sin bin and the game was back to 14 men apiece .

Dragons score next with a penalty try as Ospreys bring down the rolling maul close to the line. 37-18.

But, it's too little too late and Ospreys come away with the all important derby win. The race for the Welsh Shield is on!

FULL TIME – OSPREYS 37, DRAGONS 18.