The Ospreys recorded a double win over Newport Gwent Dragons at U18 level this week, with victories in the WRU Regional Age Grade Championship and in a specially arranged fixture between two development teams featuring players just outside the main Eyasses squad.
The U18 development side started the week off playing against the Dragons on Monday evening at Cwmbran RFC. In difficult conditions and driving rain they achieved a 5 – 3 win. With points at a premium in the conditions the score line failed to reflect the skill and commitment shown by both sides.
The Eyasses then entertained the Dragons at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Wednesday evening, in conditions more attuned to free flowing rugby.
With the Dragons unbeaten so far this season and the Eyasses yet to record their first win, the visitors applied pressure straight from the kick-off resulting in fullback Niall Martin converting a penalty on the two minute mark and an early 3 point lead. From the restart the Eyasses were also awarded a penalty and outside half Josh White stepped up to level the score within minutes.
The Eyasses picked up the pace and the next ten minutes saw them achieve an unassailable lead, with tries for wing Dafydd Howells and second row Rhodri Hughes both converted by Josh White. With strong defensive work from both teams the score remained at 17 – 3 until the Dragons wing Lewis Hudd finally broke the deadlock picking up their only try 10 minutes into the second half to edge the Dragons back into contention.
A further penalty apiece kept the score line close until the 68th minute when the Eyasses picked up their third try of the evening falling to replacement Matthew Jenkins who intercepted another Dragons attack. With Liam Popham’s conversion the final act of the game, the Ospreys picked up their first win 27 – 11 of the season, against a previously unbeaten Dragons side.