Ospreys v Scarlets
Swansea.com Stadium
21st December 2024
The West Wales Derby arrived at the Swansea.com Stadium early this year, as a tense affair between two fierce rivals went to the very end. Ospreys outscored Scarlets three tries to one, but Lloyd's boot kept the visitors in play.
The Ospreys got off to a strong start, putting some early pressure on the Scarlets defence. A grubber through from Jack Walsh put Ioan Lloyd under the cosh, but the fullback cleaned it up and Scarlets were able to clear their lines.
Ospreys went close soon after. A well worked move from the backs freed up a half gap for Jack Walsh who stepped in and was inches away from finishing if not for a last Scarlets defender.
Keiran Williams was making himself known early on with a monstrous hit on Eddie James typifying the the energy he brought all game.
Ospreys took the early lead following a well struck penalty by Dan Edwards. Ospreys 3 - 0 Scarlets.
Scarlets took the lead not long after the Ospreys score as two successive kicks from Ioan Lloyd made it. Ospreys 3 - 6 Scarlets.
As we passed the 30 minute mark, Scarlets used Lloyd's boot well to control the game. Despite the Ospreys enjoying a majority of possession and territory, the away side’s smash and grab gameplan seemed to be working in the early stages as four penalties went their way. Ospreys 3 - 12 Scarlets.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Despite the advantage on the scoreboard, the Scarlets gave up multiple penalties in their own territory which allowed the Ospreys to go the maul on their 5. Our pack proved to be too much for them and Sam Parry was able to power over for score. Conversion missed. Ospreys 8 - 12 Scarlets
Morgan Morris was one of the Ospreys standout performers in the first half: every time he got the ball in hand a destructive carry followed.
But it was Scarlets who converted pressure into points as Ellis Mee found space following a well-worked backs move off the line out. Ospreys 8 - 19 Scarlets
HALF TIME: OSPREYS 8 - 19 SCARLETS
Ospreys came out swinging in the second half. Dan Kasende was looking busy and finding space, putting a neat dink in behind the Scarlets defence. Ioan Lloyd cleaned up, but Kasende and Keelan Giles were in hot pursuit and bundled him into touch.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! The resulting lineout saw some powerful carries from the Ospreys pack as they barged into the 22 and applied the pressure. It was, of course, the man in the blue scrum cap who crossed the line. One more in the ledger for Justin Tipuric. Dan Edwards split the sticks for the conversion. Ospreys 15 - 19 Scarlets
Scarlets hit back with another penalty, this time for Costelow. Ospreys 15 - 22 Scarlets
At 56 minutes, that would be the final score for Scarlets. Extended Ospreys pressure on the Scarlets 22 resulted in a penalty for the home team and a yellow card for Lousi for killing the ball. Dan Edwards pushed it through and brought the game back within four. Ospreys 18 - 22 Scarlets
Scarlets then enjoyed a period of possession in the Ospreys 22, but the boys stood strong in defence and won the penalty. Tipuric directed traffic straight into the corner and we were back in the Scarlets 22.
The final ten were a lesson in patience and nail-biting tension, as the boys hammered away at the Scarlets line. Possession came and went, but it was heads down and a job to do for your Ospreys team.
With five minutes to go, Scarlets saw another yellow for repeated infringements, this time for Nicholas. Then, the clock was on the countdown and the Ospreys fans were hoping that their team could get it done.
Enter Iestyn Hopkins. On 80 minutes the ball went through the hands as the backs finally found space. As the overlap appeared the crowd were on their feet and the passionate Scarlets away fans were finally silenced. One pass, another, and Iestyn was clear, diving for the corner and breaking Scarlets hearts. TRY FOR OSPREYS. Ospreys 23 - 22 Scarlets.
The conversion was wide, but the score line was finally, in the 81st minute, in the positive for the home team.
A tough, gruelling game. A win when it matters most. The West Wales Derby over for another year.
