The game got off to as physical of a start as you would expect against Montpellier Herault, with the Ospreys putting some early pressure on the home team through the boot.
The first five minutes of the game saw the Ospreys winning the early battle for territory. The boys were carrying well in the early exchanges, a particular early highlight being a monstrous bump-off from Morgan Morris on Stuart Hogg.
Despite some early entries into the opposite 22 for the Ospreys, an organised Montpellier defence ensured that we remained scoreless.
As we hit the 10-minute mark, a penalty allowed the home side to put pressure on the Ospreys defence for the first time this game and they were able to go over for the first score. Coly converted, 7-0.
It looked like Montpellier had added to their tally soon after their first try, but a superb covering tackle from Keelan denied Moorby. Montpellier were able to steal the resulting line out though, and were able to score in the following phases through Duguid. Try converted, 14-0.
In the opening 20 minutes the Ospreys slowly started to find themselves on the wrong side of the penalty count, giving Montpellier some easy territory on a few occasions.
With just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, the boys were still in the game from a physical standpoint and enjoying most of the possession. Montpellier only seemed to be growing into the game though, continuing to apply pressure on the Ospreys defence.
The Montpellier pressure eventually paid off for the home side, with Uelese benefitting from the pack’s power. Coly converted, 21-0.
MONSTER DROP GOAL FROM DAN EDS! The boys tried to apply pressure on Montpellier in their territory, but the French stood firm in defence. Dan Eds set up in the pocket from 45 metres out and drilled a drop goal through the sticks. 21-3 Montpellier.
Montpellier answered back almost instantly. A penalty gave them strong field position before a few consecutive offloads eventually saw Coly dive over. Conversion missed 26-3
HALF TIME - Montpellier Herault 26, Ospreys 3.
Montpellier started the first half as they ended the second and were add to their tally almost instantly after the break. 38-3.
Ospreys looked to answer back almost instantly, a lineout near the Montpellier line provided an opportunity to get their first try of the game but the home side were able to turn the ball over and clear their lines.
Montpellier were able to score again soon after the Ospreys’ rued opportunity. Tambwe the benefactor of an easy finish after the maul set the platform.
The home team prevailed almost instantly after their prior score. A move from the backs opened a hole in the Ospreys defence and a couple of well timed offloads saw Cadot finish again. Try converted, 45-3.
The boys continued to secure spells of possession in the second half, but the Montpellier defence was relentless, constantly putting the Ospreys attack under pressure and forcing them into errors.
With less than 20 to go, Montpellier scored their eight try of the game after they took advantage of a loose ball. Try converted, 52-7.
The home side extended their lead again after breaking through the Ospreys line and running the distance of the field. Try converted, 59-7.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! Dan Edwards runs a Montpellier kick back and a smart grubber through from Dan Kasende is recovered by Evade Boshoff who finished for the score. Despite the scoreline, the boys were still giving it their all and were duly rewarded.
With around seven minutes to go, Montpellier tried to add another try to their tally, but the Ospreys’ defence stood tall and were able to regain possession.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! An extended spell of pressure near the Montpellier line opens up some space for the boys. Kasende pops it off to Keelan, who was able to finish in the corner in the dying seconds. Dan Eds converted, Montpelllier 59, Ospreys 15.
Attention now turns to the biggest fixture of the season as Scarlets visit the Swansea.com Stadium next weekend. Get your tickets and back the boys.
