In a game where a young Ospreys squad battled valiantly throughout, it was Benetton who were able to steal a win at the death. Despite not getting the win, the boys still managed to secure a crucial bonus point away from home.
Continuing on from his quality breakdown work so far this season, Rhys Davies made an instant nuisance of himself at the breakdown, nicking an early turnover.
As expected, the early part of the of the game was a kicking contest, with the right boot of Dan Edwards leaning the territory battle towards the way of the Ospreys.
The boys were playing some great rugby with the ball in hand, a smart pass from Dan Edwards found a hole for Morgan Morris to break through, with the Ospreys winning a penalty in the following phases.
From the penalty, Dan Edwards put the ball over for the first points of the game. 3-0 Ospreys.
Benetton answered back almost immediately after the Ospreys’ score, a penalty at the scrum giving them their first spell of possession in the Ospreys’ 22. Their first trip was fruitful, as they came away with seven points. 7-3 to the home side.
As 20 minutes approached, Dan Edwards’ quality start came to an unfortunate end after a huge hit from Malakai Fekitoa. Owen Williams came on to replace him, his first appearance since returning from an injury sustained against the Sharks.
Ospreys were finding ways to break down the Benetton defence in the first half, this time Harri Deaves was the man to break through and some quality support running from the skipper gave the Ospreys possession near the opposition try line. Unfortunately, Benetton’s defence were able to hold up in the following phases and were able to clear their lines.
Benetton were the league leaders in turnovers heading into the game but the Ospreys pack were doing a great job of protecting their ball at their ruck as we approached the half hour mark.
Owen Williams continued on from the excellent early work Dan Edwards did, kicking superbly out the hand and marshalling the Ospreys backline.
Benetton were able to pin the ball in the Ospreys 22 through a penalty but some quality work at the maul from James Fender got the Ospreys a turnover and the boys closed out the half. A great half from a young Ospreys squad.
HALF TIME - BENETTON RUGBY 7, OSPREYS 3.
WHAT A START TO THE SECOND HALF! The boys came flying out the traps, Owen Williams held on to the ball just long enough to trigger a gap for Max Nagy who broke through and used his pace to finish in the corner. Ospreys took the lead, 8-7.
Shortly after his score, Nagy was forced off after being tackled in the air and landing awkwardly.
The Ospreys were defending like their lives depended on it in the second half, an organised line forcing Benetton into errors. Frustration was growing in the home crowd.
As the kicking battle continued, Owen Williams pulled out a quality left footed 50:22 as we passed the 50 minute mark.
The Ospreys' decision to freshen up the front row paid off instantly as Warren, Lewis and Phillips won a penalty in Benetton territory from their first scrum.
AND THE BOYS DELIVERED! The rolling maul got the Ospreys right on the Benetton line and some quick thinking from Deavesy put Lukey Dave over for the score in the corner! 13-7 Ospreys.
Benetton answered right back after the Ospreys score with a penalty, 13-10 to the men in black.
With 12 minutes remaining, Benetton brought the scores level through another Jacob Umaga penalty. 13-13.
Luke Davies had marshalled his pack superbly in this game, directing and talking constantly with the big boys.
Some consistent carrying near the Ospreys line eventually resulted in an overlap for the home side and they were able to go over in the corner. 18-13 Benetton.