The U18 Women's regional championship kicked off in a cold and windy Tonmawr where the Ospreys played hosts to Cardiff Blues.
The Ospreys immediately set the tone of the match by putting lots of pressure on the Blues which resulted in a charge down by Delyth Davies and captain Jess Smith gathering to go over under the sticks. With the conversion successful the Ospreys led 7-0 with only 5 minutes played.
The Ospreys continued to put pressure on the Blues with Natalie Watkins taking every opportunity to counter attack. The Ospreys second try came from direct running by Carys Phillips and with quick thinking Alex Stokes steamed over the white wash. The Conversion was accurate but the elements prevented another 2 points.
The Blues re-grouped and made use of the wind, they kept the Ospreys in their own territory for periods of the first half but failed to get points on the board because of a solid set piece and organised defence. The Ospreys were reduced to 14 players at the very last play of the first half after receiving a yellow card.
Within 2 minutes of the second half starting captain Jess Smith had to exit the field after a knock to the head, leaving the Ospreys with 13 players as they had no bench because of squad injuries.
The Blues took advantage of this and returned some pressure by passing the ball wide and stretching the Ospreys. This forced more errors and the Blues capitalised by running a tap penalty over the line for a try. They also failed their conversion due to the strong wind.
With the Ospreys back up to 14 players the game continued to go back and forth with a good standard of rugby played by both sides. The Ospreys fitness told in the last quarter as they started to control the match and forced a penalty in front of the posts. Delyth Davies converted making the final score Ospreys 15 Blues 5.
Ospreys:
1. Sian Preece 2. Demi Stevens 3. Alex Stokes 4. Nadine Powell 5. Bethan Edwards 6. Lowri Morgan 7. Kathryn Joseph 8. Carys Phillips 9. Natalie Watkins 10. © Jessica Smith 11. Rosie Fletcher 12. Alys Lloyd 13. Delyth Davies 14. Jessica Pritchard 15. Susannah Waters.
Tries: 2 Jessica Smith, Alex Stokes Cons: 1 Delyth Davies Pens: 1 Delyth Davies