Dragons v Ospreys Match Report
The Dragons had to make a few last minute changes to the starting XV as Adam Hughes pulled out with illness. This meant that Ross Wardle stepped into the centre partnership alongside Adam Warren, with Aaron Warren replacing Wardle on the bench. Aaron Warren recently joined the Dragons on loan from Llandovery to star in the British and Irish Cup Premiership Select squad.
Ospreys began the match with real intent as they dominated possession from kick off. It was just before the 5 minute marker when the first penalty was awarded to Ospreys. Flyhalf Sam Davies opted to kick for the posts but missed on two consecutive occasions.
It wasn’t until after 20mins the first score was added to the scoreboard; a Dan Evans try for the Ospreys only for the conversion to be missed by Davies.
The next score came on the 30minute marker with a try from Ospreys player Hanno Dirksen, this time Davies made no error with the conversion and the Ospreys lead 12-0 at the break.
Half Time: Ospreys 12 – Newport Gwent Dragons 0
It was in the second half the Dragons finally found their footing with a lovely driving lineout from the visitors which saw number 8 Ed Jackson cross the whitewash. Replacement fly-half Jason Tovey slotted the conversion over with ease and the Dragons were back in the game with 20 minutes left on the clock.
The Dragons had more momentum as they attacked the Ospreys defence hard inside of the home teams 22. However it was Ospreys who reaped the rewards as they gained possession of the ball from their own lineout and kicked it to touch to secure their win.
Full Time: Ospreys 12 – Newport Gwent Dragons 7
