The Blues have certainly led the way in the Reebok Championships this season and their deserved win over the Young Ospreys under 16's at Llandarcy Academy of Sport last night (Wednesday), has confirmed them as favourites for the title.
Both teams made light of the heavy conditions to provide the spectators with a thoroughly entertaining encounter; even though there wasn't a festive of tries. The Blues North were the first on the scoresheet when impressive centre Dean Gunter kicked a penalty. He was also on hand to convert 2nd row forward Thomas Payne's try after a loose kick by the Young Ospreys was seized upon by the North. For the Young Ospreys outside half Chris Banfield kicked a penalty and centre Rhys Llewellyn (pictured) scored a try. At half time the Young Ospreys had certainly played their part in the game and might have considered themselves unlucky to go in 10 points to 8 down. However, the second half was a different story as the North took control of the game and kept the Young Ospreys pinned back in their own half for long periods of the game. Disappointingly the Young Osprey lineout failed to function during this period and they were therefore unable to break the stranglehold that the North held over them. Despite their possession and territorial dominance the North knew they had been in a hard fought game as the Young Osprey defence was magnificent in its committment. Despite that committment they were breached as that man Gunter scored and converted his own try from a wide angle. Final score 17 points to 8 to the Blues North. Next up for the Young Ospreys is an encounter with the South side of the Blues Region on the 24th January and the need to win in order to get a further shot at the North in the Reebok Final on the 28th February.