Ospreys started well in this one. An early penalty allowed them to pin the ball near the Benetton try line but the away team’s defence held and they were able force a knock on in the following phases.
TRY TIME! The Ospreys’ second venture into the Benetton was fruitful. Some great work from Lukey Mogz out on the right gave the boys valuable yardage before Dewi Lake powered his way over a few phases later. Owen Williams converted, 7-0.
The boys were defending superbly early on. Benetton took a tap and go penalty near the Ospreys line but couldn’t break through, with the Ospreys forcing a knock on before Jac Morgan was able to clear well with his boot.
Despite the Ospreys defending well, some consistent carrying from the Italians eventually worked an overlap for their backline and they were able to break down the right to finish. Umaga converted, 7-7.
TRY FOR OSPREYS! A Benetton clearance outside their 22 went out on the full which gave Ospreys possession in Benetton territory. Ospreys got straight near the try line and Gareth Thomas carried well to finish. Owen converted, 14-7.
The early minutes of the game suggested we were going to have a tryfest as Benetton scored following a scrum, almost instantly after the Ospreys score. Despite pressure from the Ospreys pack at the scrum, Benetton recovered a loose ball and went down the blindside to score. 14-14.
DID WE SAY TRYFEST!?!? Another poor exit from Benetton gave the boys the ball in good territory. Benetton conceded a penalty soon after which meant the boys were able to go for the lineout. Dewi Lake prospered as the rolling maul went over. Owen converted, 21-14.
As we hit 34 minutes, Benetton scored the fourth try of the game. Lukey Mogz read a pass well and almost intercepted, but the deflected ball landed into the hands of a grateful Benetton player who shipped it out wide for Negri who was able to finish. 21-21.
A penalty in the dying minutes of the first half meant the away side took the lead for the first time as they went in for the break.
HALFTIME – OSPREYS 21, BENETTON 24.
HATTRICK FOR DEWI! Despite a strong start to the second half from Benetton, it was the Ospreys who struck first. Consistent carrying paid off for the pack again as the Ospreys were rewarded following their first trip to the opposition 22. Owen converted, 28-24.
The tryfest continued as Benetton scored soon after the Ospreys, with Udogwu crossing 31-28 Benetton.
FOUR FOR DEWI LAKE! The rolling maul came good again as they took the lead. 33-31 Ospreys.
BIG TURNOVER FROM JAC. As Benetton looked to put the pressure on the Ospreys defence, the flanker jackaled the ball superbly to relieve the pressure and win a penalty.
Ospreys kicked the ball to the corner to intensify the pressure on Benetton. Skipper Morgan Morris forced his way over the try line to extend our lead. Jack Walsh converted.
Benetton kicked another three-pointer through Umaga, before Walsh replied with one of his own to secure the win and deny the visitors a losing bonus point.
FULL TIME – OSPREYS 43, BENETTON 34.
