The Ospreys East side continued their unbeaten run of the second block of the season last night, where they faced Scarlets West at Ysgol Bae Baglan.
- Tries came from Bradley Roderick, Scott Ryall and Adam Thomas in a powerful display from the young Ospreys.
- With both sides scoring three tries, conversions from Sam Costelow and Jack Evans proved the difference at the final whistle
- Ospreys East make it two wins from two in the second block of the season, and they are unbeaten across all five games so far
After a late weather related change of venue that saw Scarlets West surrender home advantage, both sides ran out to a good crowd at a very cold Ysgol Bae Baglan.
Wasting no time at all, the young Ospreys secured a lineout in the Scarlets 22, and an offload to Bradley Roderick saw the centre break through the line to score. The conversion was slightly wide, but the Ospreys were ahead 5-0 with less than two minutes on the clock.
The West Walians hit back strongly, gaining good ground inside the Ospreys half and a penalty allowed the Scarlets to go to a lineout, a strong drive from the forwards sending number 8 Stephen Pilot over the line for an unconverted score.
Ospreys fullback Corey Taylor caught the eye with a strong run, breaking through five tackles only for a penalty for holding on allowing the Scarlets to clear back up field.
The game was being played out largely in the Scarlets but, eventually, the Scarlets were awarded a penalty, allowing them to clear deep into the Ospreys 22. A powerful driving maul sent hooker Ryan Mackie Jones over the whitewash to put the Scarlets ahead at the break
HALF-TIME: Scarlets West U16s 5 - 10 Ospreys East U16s 19
With it all to play for in the second half, the Ospreys were first off the mark, making a break from their own 22 and some skilful offloading through the backs brought the Ospreys into the Scarlets 22. But one offload too many was knocked on metres from the line.
Not wanting to come away from the Scarlets half with nothing for their efforts, the Ospreys exerted more pressure on the Scarlets, forcing a penalty, giving them another chance to go for the line.
Their hardwork was rewarded when a powerful attack from the pack gave Scott Ryall the try, Sam Costelow on target with the conversion to put his side ahead 12-10.
The Scarlets then pressed for long periods, without scoring but, as the game entered the final ten minutes, the Scarlets finally managed to break through. Quick ball from the backs gave Callum Williams the chance to fly off his wing and score in the corner. With the wind taking the conversion just wide, the Scarlets led by just three points.
However, their lead was short lived as, with the bench emptied, the Ospreys fought their way back. Pushing their way into the Scarlets 22 and putting in some powerful attacks created room for Adam Thomas to crash over the tryline to put the Ospreys back in front. Jack Evans nicely slottiedthe conversion, taking the score to 19-15 with no time left for the Scarlets to comeback.
The Ospreys East U16’s will look to continue their winning run on Sunday 12th February, where they face RGC at Llandarcy Academy Of Sport K.O 2pm.