The Ospreys U18s finished off the Regional Age-Grade Championships with an impressive win over RGC on Wednesday afternoon.
Both sides battled hard against the elements but struggled to keep hold of possession to take the lead, keeping the scoresheet clean until just before the half time whistle.
The visitors were dealt an early blow just shy of the 15-minute mark after a build up of penalties sent Lewis Lloyd off with a yellow card. But the Ospreys did well to not to concede any points despite being down to 14.
With a chance to take the lead before half time with a penalty, Rhys Harris struck the ball between the posts to take the young Ospreys ahead. From the restart the Osprey took hold of the ball to claim the territory in RGC’s half. Building up the phases, the side did well to maintain the ball and their efforts were eventually rewarded. A series of infringements against the hosts sent Aaron Williams to the bin to give the Ospreys the advantage.
Taking it quickly, a run out wide from Riley Henderson sent the wing over for the opening try of the game to hand the Ospreys the 8-0 lead at the break.
HALF TIME - RGC U18S 0 -8 OSPREYS U18S
Running out for the second half, the hosts were back up to 15 and Williams was quick to look for justice for his yellow card offence. Powering over the line for the try to narrow the score 5-13 with no conversion.
Keen to keep hold of their lead, the Ospreys worked the ball back into RGC’s half once again. Setting up a solid setpiece in their 22, Cameron Jones broke his way through the defence to score the Ospreys second try of the game. Harris with the conversion to take the Ospreys 5-15 ahead.
Minutes later, a high tackle against the Ospreys sent Logan Phillips to the bin leaving the visitors down a man. Williams spying the gap in the line for RGC to go over for the brace, Dafydd Williams converting to narrow the lead 15-12 with just over 10 minutes left on the clock.
Keeping their composure, the Ospreys held their own well and good pressure from the pack kept RGC on the defence. A yellow card for the hosts as the clock turned red left the Ospreys with the advantage.
Digging in deep, the Ospreys U18s utilised the extra man well. A huge driving maul from the pack set Matthew Hutchinson up nicely to crash over the line for the final try of the game. Harris with the conversion to draw and end to the game and secure the victory for the young Osprey side.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach of the U18s Chris Davies said: “Day travel to North Wales is tough on anyone, add a game of rugby in that mix and then travel back in the same day is a big ask. However, our players showed plenty of character in that task.
Weather was not great, and we played into a strong wind in the first half. However, we managed to win that first half 0-8 which was a testimony to the players mindset and effort.
The game ended up quite scrappy due to the weather and the stoppages mounted from the referee’s whistle. Yet again though, the players kept on task when facing the uncontrollable’ s.
Every player displayed energy, desire and attitude. To score right at the end summed that up. I am very proud of the players of that win and I know they are too.”