Head Coach of the Ospreys U18s Women, Josh Humphreys, praised his young side after a win over RGC on Sunday afternoon saw them crowned champions.
After an emphatic win over RGC, the Ospreys U18s maintained their undefeated streak to earn them the title of U18 regional women champions.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach, Josh Humphreys said:
“The group have been outstanding from start to finish. I know I speak on behalf of myself and the whole coaching team of Kerin, Lou and Nathan, that we have loved every minute of the season. Even when they girls have tested our heart rates after leaving the wins until the final minutes of the game, they’ve been a pleasure to coach.”
He added: “They’re a young group of girls, who have been led brilliantly by our captain Melissa Gnojek. She optimizes the way we’ve performed and has been a brilliant role model for the younger girls coming through.”
The young side scored eight tries in their final game on Sunday against RGC, with the final score sitting at 44-19 to the Osprey side.
“RGC were certainly the best side they’ve ever been since being formed. They put up a real fight against us, but as in previous games our power up front, topped off with our backs finishing off some excellent tries, was too much for them to contain for the full 80.”
“The commitment and effort in training in both the gym and on the field with our strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Tucker, has been replicated in our games and our fitness. The determination has really made the difference, alongside the togetherness of the squad.”
The competition has seen the young side pick up some impressive wins, including a 36-7 win over the Dragons, a 79th minute 22-20 victory over the Cardiff Blues, and last weekend’s narrow 8-7 defeat over the Scarlets.
Humphreys praised his young side: “The girls have really gelled, and I know life-long friendships have been formed here which means a great deal. Yesterday was an extremely emotional day for us all. We had girls playing their first and last game in the jersey, and I have to give a special mention to Megan Black. She suffered a double leg break last year and was on a long road to recovery. We weren’t sure if she would ever play again but after the outstanding work of our physio, Lou Haycock, Megan played her first ever game at the last opportunity before heading to senior rugby. She even made it on to the score sheet with the opening try of the game!”
“Our girls were delighted with the result! To finish undefeated and then win the championship which for such a young, inexperienced group seemed unlikely at the start of the season. We’ve had a long list of injuries, but the girls have stuck together and the whole squad have played their part. With all their dedication, the girls thoroughly deserved the championship and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
“It has been a privilege coaching this group and I really hope our paths cross in future. I would like to thank the whole coaching group who have been a pleasure to work with and wish the very best to the girls who will now move onto senior rugby. With the talent and work ethic they’ve shown, I’m sure we’ll see some of them in a red jersey in the near future.”