All three age-grade sides were in action on Wednesday night, with the Ospreys U18s hosting the Scarlets, the U16s East travelling to face the Dragons U16s South and the U16s West away to the Scarlets
Both U16s sides claimed their first wins of the season, whilst the U18s suffered their first defeat.
Scarlets U16s East 7 - 24 Ospreys U16s West
The Ospreys U16s West claimed their first win of the season on Wednesday night against a strong Scarlets East side.
- Ben Petheridge, Tim Perkins, Ellis Hogan and Iestyn Morgan all crossed the whitewash
- A strong defensive effort from the squad left the Scarlets struggling to breakthrough
The young Ospreys were quick from the off, dominating the early stages of the game, but were dealt an early blow with prop John Edwards leaving the field with an injury in the opening five minutes.
A quick break from the Scarlets scrum-half nealy saw them make good ground before a loose pass was picked up from Ospreys Ryan Chappel to put his side back in possession.
A penalty in favour of the Ospreys, put them in a strong attacking position from a scrum in the Scarlets 22. The Scarlets defence was always struggling and a quick chip was nicely picked up by Ben Petheridge to score the opening try, Iestyn Morgan converting with 15 minutes played.
The Scarlets were struggling to make their way out of their own half and a quick turnover almost resulted in try number two, only for the ball to be knocked on close to the line.
Not wanting to come away with nothing, a charge down from Tim Perkins saw the lock ground the ball over the line. The conversion was off target but the Ospreys were 12 points ahead with five minutes left of the first half.
The Scarlets still had time to hit back before the break, some powerful carries from the pack seing them score their own try under the posts.
Half Time - Scarlets U16s East 7 - 12 Ospreys U16s West
Despite Ospreys pressure, the visitors were unable to stretch their lead, chances going begging.
Then in the 60th minute of the game, a powerful surge took the Ospreys inches from the line once again. Before Ellis Hogan crashed over the line for his side’s third try of the game. It went unconverted but the Osprey led by 10 points.
Then a loose pass was nicely spotted by Iestyn Morgan, followed by a kick up field and a great chase saw him ground the ball over the line in the last phase of play before converting his own try to round off the game.
Next up for the Ospreys U16s West is the visit from the Dragons South to the Gnoll on Wednesday 13th September.
Dragons U16s South 19 - 35 Ospreys U16s East
Also looking for their first win, the East side took on the Dragons South at Cross Keys RFC.
- Oliver Burrows, Kieran Stevens, Lloyd Freeman, Ben Owen all scored tries for the young side with a penalty try taking the trycount to five
- Sam Jardine kicked eight points in a superb display of rugby from the young squad
The young Dragons wasted no time in making a mark on the game. Carrick McDonough catching a kick to score the Dragons first try in the opening minute.
But the Ospreys hit back quickly. Securing a lineout in the Dragons 22, a good take and driving lineout saw captain Oliver Burrows crash over the line. Sam Jardine with the conversion took the Ospreys ahead.
The Ospreys dominated possession and a good side step and break from Lloyd Freeman saw the fullback score the second try for the Ospreys, again converted by Jardine.
Looking to get back into the game, the Dragons attack found its way into the Ospreys half and a driving lineout left room for hooker Jack Wakley to score. Evan Gregg added the extras to bring the Dragons back to within two points.
Half Time - Dragons U16s South 12 - 14 Ospreys U16s East
Coming out for the second half, the Ospreys took control. Securing another lineout in the Dragons half put them in a strong attacking position once again and good work allowed Ben Owen to grab try number three, Jardine adding the extras once again.
Then just two minutes later a powerful run from just outside the 22 saw Kieran Stevens score, Jardine on target once again to take the lead to 16 points with just under half an hour left to play.
But not wanting to throw in the towel, a quick show and go from fly-half Evan Gregg handed the Dragons their third of the game, Gregg then converting his own try.
As the Ospreys looked to kill the contest off and the penalty count mounting against the Dragons, another driving lineout from the Ospreys left the referee no choice but to award the squad a penalty try just ahead of the final whistle to seal an impressive win.
Next up for the Ospreys U16s East are a visit from the Blues U16s South on Wednesday 13th September.
Ospreys U18s 15 - 50 Scarlets U18s
In their last game of this block of WRU Regional Age-Grade Championships, the Ospreys U18s looked to end this stage of the season unbeaten. With the Scarlets U18s also unbeaten, both teams were looking to claim the derby bragging rights and retain their 100 per cent record before their season resumes in January.
The Scarlets were strong from the start and in the first minute Scarlets flanker Gethin Davies powered over the line, with Llew Smith converting to give them an early lead.
Only two minutes later, Scarlets centre Osian Knott went over for their second try, Smith again converting to extend their lead to14 with just 7 minutes played.
Then as the game reached it’s ten minute mark wing Alex Varney crossed over in the corner for the visitors third of the game.
With a 19 point deficit, the Ospreys rallied to try and make their mark on the game. Conjuring up their own attack, a good take from Caine Woolerton saw the fullback race over the line. No conversion but the Ospreys were on the board.
Still in control, quick pace from the squad saw the backs race into the Scarlets 22, a pass out wide finding the hands of Frankie Jones to score their second of the game.
Another strong attack and set piece saw Bradley Roderick break through the Scarlets defence for the Ospreys third of the game.
But it was the Scarlets who had the last say before half time. Scrum-half Dafydd Land picking up the ball from a scrum to score. A missed conversion left the scores 15-24 at the end of the first half.
Half Time Ospreys U18s 15 - 24 Scarlets U18s
The Scarlets attack was relentless at the start of the second half, running in two tries in quick succession, Sam Williams and Osian Knott both crossing the whitewash and Smith on target with both conversions to give the Scarlets a comfortable 15-38 lead.
The Ospreys tried to answer back, but the Scarlets defence proved too strong. Denying their hosts any chance at scoring, the Scarlets attack broke through to score another two tries. Harri Doyle and Joe Roberts both adding their names to the scoresheet. Bradley Roderick with the conversion for the Scarlets took the final score to 15-50 as this stage of the season drew to a close.