Last year's regional age grade champions were beaten 36 - 10 by the Dragons last night in Ystrad Mynach
The Ospreys Under 18's brought their 2015/16 regional age gradeseason to a close last with a loss away at Ystrad Mynach.
It was a perfect start to their final game of the season for the Eyasses, only two minutes had been played when Scott Griffith powered over the try line to get the first points on the board. Phil Jones added the extras with a successful penalty.
The young Ospreys held onto their 7 point lead for most of the first quarter, however once a converted try by the Dragons Under 18's brought them back into the game on 15 minutes, they looked unstoppable. James McCarthy swiftly adding their second try to take the lead before Loui O'Brien converted.
An unconverted try by Joe Goodchild for the home team brought the half time scoring to a close and at half time the Dragons led 19 - 7.
Shortly after half time a successful penalty kick by Tom Howell for the Ospreys Under 18's brought them back into contention but just minutes later Callum Carson was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. The depleted Eyasses couldn't hold out the Dragons powerful attacks and within seven minutes Joe Goodchild had crossed twice, bringing him to a hat trick for the game.
With the final play of the match Corey Howells for the Dragons slipped over for the Dragons 6th try of the evening and Matthew Lewis' successful conversion brought the scoring to a close.
FT: Dragons Under 18's 36 - 10 Ospreys Under 18's
Head Coach Ben Rose commented on the game and the season:
"The Dragons lived off our mistakes and were good enough to capitalise on them. We worked hard to get back into the game in the second half but were caught with a turnover try that sealed the game for them.
"As a group we have worked hard but the regional programme has highlighted the need for players to be able to perform the core skills under pressure.
"I have been proud to see the leaders within the group step to the front to keep the group together as results have not gone our way.
"The Scarlets game showed what this group is about. If the players work hard on their skills as individuals and they maintain that level of intensity when they play they may well be Ospreys of the future."