The Ospreys Women clinched a third consecutive regional title, after a thrilling 31-14 victory over Cardiff Blues Women at the Cardiff Arms Park a fortnight ago.
Finishing the regional programme undefeated, the Ospreys ended the competition in pole position to be crowned WRU Regional Women Champions for the third year running.
The defending champions kicked off their campaign in the beginning of August at Llandarcy Academy of Sport against RGC Women. Showing they were not going to give up their title without a fight, the Ospreys battled to a convincing 49-0 triumph over the North Wales outfit.
Tries from Sasha Bailey, Angharad De Smet and skipper Carys Phillips, along with braces from Ffion Bowen, Lauren Smyth and Lowri Norkett saw the Ospreys cross the whitewash nine times, with Elinor Snowsil slotting the extras.
For round two, the Ospreys women travelled to Parc Y Scarlets to face local rivals, the Scarlets. The rain played a huge factor in play, with conditions proving difficult for both sides. Lauren Smyth was the sole try-scorer of the game, with Snowsil slotting the conversion. The Ospreys were awarded a penalty try towards the end of the second half to earn them the 14-0 win, keeping the side on course to retain the Championship.
Despite their unbeaten run, the Ospreys had to secure the win over the Cardiff Blues in the third and final round to ensure they lifted the trophy once again. In a competitive game, the Cardiff Blues made the Ospreys dig in deep to pull the win out of the bag. Lowri Norkett and Kelsey Jones crossed the line in the opening half but the hosts answered back through wing Rafiuke Taylor who scored a brace. A huge driving maul over the line from Carys Phillips ensured the Ospreys snuck just ahead at 14-17 at the half-time whistle.
A dominant, second half display from the Ospreys, caught their opponents off guard! Norkett soared over for her second try and Keira Bevan was able to reach over the line for the try to seal the deal for the team!
Speaking after the game, Ospreys Siwan Lillicrap said:“It was great to get a third consecutive win in this competition. The girls really had to dig deep today against a strong Blues side so we are really pleased with the performance. We had a fairly small squad but everyone has committed to training three times a week and we have seen the results of that. Not only has this programme tested the more experienced players in the squad but we have seen young players coming through the programme such as Mel Gnokej who is with Wales U18 7s in Poland this weekend and Niamh Terry who returned from injury and played well today.”