Having seen off the same opposition in last season’s final at St Helen’s, Swansea, the Blues were once again good enough to win a game dominated by difficult conditions.
Fullback Leigh Halfpenny provided the holders with an early advantage when he kicked a ninth minute penalty and when Harry Allen nipped in on the left wing after 27 minutes, the Ospreys found themselves behind the black ball.
Without the likes of Daniel Biggar and Gareth Owen, the Ospreys lacked a guiding light at outside half although converted fullback Adam Hathaway did his bit to kick start his backs.
Fullback Robin Davies managed to cut the deficit with a penalty 10 minutes before the interval and in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the Ospreys were dominant in terms of territory and possession.
However, when given a chance to extend their lead on 55 minutes, Halfpenny gratefully accepted before adding a third penalty on 72 minutes to all but seal the spoils.
Ospreys captain Ciaran Ruddock struck with a late try for the Ospreys, but a charged down try from replacement prop Scott Andrews, converted by the excellent Halfpenny, put paid to any thoughts of a late comeback.
There was double disappointment for the Ospreys’ region on the day; the U16s, who remain on top of the Championship table, went down 22-12 to the Scarlets at Narberth.
Tries from Bowdy Davies and Brian Barlow, plus a Tom Prydie conversion, provided the Ospreys with a first half advantage, but a try from Dale Ford just before half time and two more in the second half, from Rob Evans and Kirby Myhill, made sure of a crucial home win for the hosts.
Ford put the seal on a fine personal performance with a penalty and two conversions.
The Ospreys’ defeat provided Blues North with an opportunity to put one foot in the final. Unfortuntely for Dale McIntosh’s side, they came across an in-form Blues South side who won 8-7 at the Ely Memorial Ground.
Joe Tomlinson bagged the South try with Dave Lakin, nephew of former Cardiff lock Bob, adding a penalty. For the North there was a lone try for Kevin Marmion and a conversion from Joseph Deacon.
