The quality performance in their 50 points to 24 win over the Scarlets on Boxing Day must have inspired the Young Osprey under 16 team in the build up to their fixture with Scarlets at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on the following day. (Wednesday).
The Young Ospreys came out of the blocks early and some incisive running by centre Liam Powell (pictured), who cut the Scarlets defence to ribbons in the early part of the game set the tone for the rest of the team. In the first fifteen minutes of the match the Young Ospreys were all over their opponents but only managed to get 12 points because of a spirited defence. The tries were scored by centre Ben John (pictured), who unfortunately had to leave the field in the second half after colliding with one of his own players and No 8 Rhys Ruddock (pictured). Outside half Chris Banfield converted one and that's how the score remained until half time. In fairness to the Scarlets they came out all guns blazing after the break and it was only spirited defence (this time by the Young Ospreys), that ensured that they only conceeded a try to scrum half Aled Rees. The last 10 minutes of the game again saw the Young Ospreys take their turn to pressurise their opponents and they were eventually rewarded with a second try in the match for Ruddock; Banfield converted. That score was important as it denied the Scarlets a losing bonus point and with two matches to go the Young Ospreys are now firmly placed in second behind the unbeaten Blues North. With a nine point lead over the Scarlets one victory from their remaining fixtures against the Blues North or Blues South would guarantee them a Reebok Final place in February.