Ospreys take the U16 spoils

The Ospreys inflicted a first defeat of the season on the Blues North to retain the title having lost out twice to the North during the season’s pool matches (8-7 and 17-8). The Ospreys made it third time lucky thanks to three tries and a further seven points from the boot of Chris Banfield.

Fullback Chad Punchard and centre Deeke Morse crossed for first half tries as the Ospreys took control of the game and with Banfield adding a penalty and conversion, the underdogs led 15-10 at the interval.

Ian Smerdon bagged a try, conversion and penalty for the Blues, but in the second half they were unable to close the gap far enough with replacement back rower Garrick Legge adding to their problems by being yellow carded. Liam Powell scored a third try for the Ospreys, who wereoutstanding at the breakdown, whilst Banfield added a conversion.

Smerdon kicked a second penalty and Tom Rees added a try for the Blues North but it was all too little too late as the Ospreys won the title for a second successive year.

Gafyn Cooper, High Performance Manager for the Blues, said: “They were lethal at the breakdown and they turned over plenty of our ball and used it well. They were deserved winners.”

Opposite number Dai Arthur said: “We are chuffed to have won it again, especially after losing twice to them during the pool games. It was another excellent game between two very good sides.”

U16 Reebok Regional Championship Final
Ospreys 22 Blues North 18

Ospreys
Tries: C Punchard, D Morse, L Powell
Con: C Banfield (2)
Pen: Banfield

Blues North
Tries: I Smerdon, T Rees
Con: Smerdon
Pen: Smerdon (2)