Newport Gwent Dragons v Ospreys Match Report

As always in typical Welsh derbies, the scoreboard didn’t show up two high scores and for this match it was the Ospreys who triumphed with a victory of 10-0 for the visitors.

 

After several pitch inspections referee Ian Davies deemed the pitch playable after a heavy down fall of rain prior to the match had left a few questions to be answered. 

The game started slowly, with the Dragons wanting to build on their 5 from 5 win at home record, but it was the Ospreys who had the first chance to make it over for a try. A kick from the Dragons saw the Ospreys collect and break though the Dragons defence only for the ball to find the hands of Justin Tipuric and for him to sprint to the finish line. The try was converted which saw the visitors take a lead of 7-0 after 14 minutes on the clock.

With the Ospreys penalised and down to 14 men the Dragons had the chance to hit back through their advantage but unfortunately they didn’t win the kicking battle, and before they knew it the Ospreys were back up to 15 men with no points on the score board.

Soon came a chance for the Men of Gwent only for the wet and windy conditions to send Angus O’Brien’s penalty kick wide of the posts.

Half Time: Newport Gwent Dragons 0 – Ospreys 7

The Ospreys came out the starting blocks well during the second half and the Dragons defence stood strong in the battle and managed to hold off the attack from the visitors.

With the kicking game picking up once again, the Dragons attempted to run the ball into the Ospreys half to change things up and with that came a penalty for a high tackle on Ashton Hewitt. Angus O’Brien had another chance to get the Men of Gwent on the score board, however similarly his first attempt the ball went wide seeing the scorer remain on 7-0 to the visitors.

His opposite number, Dan Biggar, had the chance to take a shot at the goal soon after and he made no mistake making it 10-0 to the Ospreys.

The Dragons continued to battle against their visitors and they came close to going over the try line a few times. First saw a chip over the heads of the defence, only for wing Pat Howard to knock on before dabbing down. And the second was from a driving lineout, but the visitors stayed strong to make sure that they secured the win.

Full Time: Newport Gwent Dragons 0 – Ospreys 7

Referee: Ian Davies

Attendance: 6746

Man of the Match: Olly Cracknell