Ospreys were unable to close out the win at Rodney Parade today, as the host secured victory in the final play.
The Dragons were able to put the first points not the board soon after the kick-off with the boot of Lloyd Evans slotting them into a three point lead. 3-0 to the home team.
Ospreys answered back soon after, with a long range kick from Dan Eds slotted right through the middle of the the posts to bring the scores level, 3-3.
The first ten minutes were what you would expect of derby game at Rodney Parade, a scrappy affair with both teams finding their feet.
As the game progressed Ospreys slowly began to find holes in the home team’s defence, with a smart chip causing problems for Angus O’Brien and setting up the Ospreys deep into Dragons’ territory.
Two early opportunities from the Ospreys line out went amiss following some solid maul defence from the home side.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Luke Morgan and Luke Davies combined to cut through the Dragons’ defence with Keiran Williams prospering with the score under the sticks. Ospreys 10, Dragons 3.
Dragons closed the deficit soon after with Lloyd Evans adding to his tally. Ospreys 10, Dragons 6.
With almost 30 minutes played, the Dragons took the lead. A few quick offloads in the Ospreys 22 opened up a clear run at the posts for Harri Keddie. Lloyd Evans converted to make the score 13-10 to the Dragons.
After a late hit by Lloyd Evans on Dan Eds, the young 10 was able to bring scores level with another well placed kick through the middle of the posts. 13-13.
With a couple of minutes to go in the first half, the Dragons conceded another penalty with a high tackle on Jack Walsh. The reliable boot of Dan Eds taking the boys into a 16-13 lead.
The Dragons had an opportunity to bring the scores level just before half time but chose to confidently go for the corner. A well worked move from the line out saw Brodie Coghlan with a 1v1 against Ryan Conbeer, but the winger stood strong before the ball fell into touch to take us into the half.
HALF TIME - DRAGONS 13, OSPREYS 16.
The boys came out with a point to prove in the second half. Some powerful carrying from the pack and some innovate attacking moves put the Dragons the under the cosh.
It looked like the Ospreys might be rewarded for their early pressure, as Jack Walsh broke through the Dragons line and offloaded to Keith but the scrambling defenders were able to hold him over the line.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Walshy cut through the Dragons defence again before shifting the ball out to Ryan Conbeer to score on his debut out wide. Conversion missed, 21-13 Ospreys.
After the Ospreys score, the next 10 minutes were a battle for territory, with both teams exchanging kicks regularly.
The Dragons began to find themselves on the wrong side of the penalty count as the game progressed. Multiple penalties at the Ospreys maul allowed the boys to push on down the field but the home team’s defence was able to hold out on their 22.
As Dan Eds left the field, it was important to give him a special mention for his work in the Quarterback role, marshalling the attack and giving the Ospreys multiple options in attack.
With 12 minutes remaining, Dragons were made to pay for their penalty count, James Benjamin finding himself sent to the bin.
However, despite the numerical advantage, the Dragons really started to turn the screw, heaping the pressure on the visitors in the final minutes, with Luke Yendle scoring from close range. With scores tied at 21 a piece, the conversion was taken right in from of the sticks, seeing Dragons snatch the victory.
FULL TIME: DRAGONS 23 - OSPREYS 21.
The focus now turns to the DHL Stormers, who Ospreys host at the Dunraven Brewery Field a week today, kicking off at 19:35.
