A depleted Ospreys squad lost to Ulster in Belfast tonight. The boys scored two tries through Sam Parry and Keelan Giles, whilst Dan Gemine and Rhys Thomas made their Ospreys debuts from the bench.
It was a scrappy start to the game, but it was Ulster who were able to score the first try of the match. A spell of pressure deep inside Ospreys territory gave them a rolling maul off a lineout and they scored through James McCormick. Conversion missed, 5-0.
The next opportunity of the game came for the Ospreys. The boys worked the ball out wide and Keelan instantly used a burst of pace to beat his man and grubbered though, but the bounce was unfavourable and landed in the hands of the last Ulster defender.
Ulster were able to double their tally not long after the opportunity for the Ospreys. Stockdale found space tight to the left of the pitch and was able to finish. Conversion missed, 10-0 Ulster.
As we passed the 20-minute mark, the referee determined that the Ospreys had brought a maul down close to their line. Ulster extended their lead to 17-0 and the boys were reduced to 14.
Ulster made instant use of the man advantage, with a few offloads eventually resulting in what looked like Stockdale’s second score of the game. After a TMO check, it was chalked off for a forward pass in the build up.
The home team were eventually able to score their bonus point try in the first half. Another spell of pressure near the Ospreys line saw Marcus Rea go over for the try. Cooney converted, 24-0.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The boys put some pressure on the Ulster defence, which saw a couple of penalties given up in quick succession. The rolling maul came to a halt close to the Ulster line, but Sam Parry picked his moment and powered over for the score. Dan Eds put the kick over, 24-7.
HALF TIME – ULSTER 24, OSPREYS 7.
The first 22 entry of the second half went to the home team, but some tenacious defence from the Ospreys and a massive jackal by Sam Parry allowed the boys to clear their lines.
The Ospreys were the next to have a 22 entry, but it was unfruitful and Ulster were able to come away with the ball.
With ten minutes of the second half played, Ulster added to their lead following McCormick's tap and go on the five-metre line. Conversion missed, 29-7.
The Ospreys began to look more lively in attack in the second half, some quick ball from the breakdown allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and was opening up some gaps in the Ulster defence.
With 25 minutes to go, Ulster were reduced to 14. A high tackle on Owen Williams saw Harry Sheridan sent to the bin.
The penalty saw the Ospreys with a lineout 5 metres from the Ulster line, but the home team were able to steal the ball.
The boys continued their charge and the quick pace of the Ospreys attack saw Ulster give up a several penalties in their 22 and resulted in a warning for the home team.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! A well worked move that started with perfectly time pass from Tips, tee’d up Tom Florence to deliver a perfect pass out wide to Keelan Giles on his return from injury. Conversion missed, 29-12.
Morgan Morris was putting in some destructive carries in the second half, often bouncing off the first tackler and getting beyond the gain line.
Ulster instantly answered back with another try. A well worked move from the backs saw some space open up for Stockdale. Keelan was almost able to deny him, but the winger just managed to touch the ball down in the corner. The conversion was successful, 36-12.
In the final 10, the boys kept playing, pushing hard and running the ball, but they couldn't make it count on the score board.
FULL TIME ULSTER 36 - 12 OSPREYS