Blues Under 20s Claim Title Crown
The Blues broke the Ospreys' stranglehold on the WRU Regional Championship with an emphatic 22-7 victory over the holders in the Under 20 final at St Helens.
And although the Ospreys had their chances and actually led during the first half, the Blues thoroughly deserved their first final success in the competition.
Kristian Baller gave the Blues the lead inside 12 minutes with a penalty from 35 metres, but after some slack defending around the base of a ruck deep inside their own half, the Blues fell behind to a try from Jon Jones which was converted by wing Leigh Halfpenny.
The Blues replied with a try from scrum half Tom Isaacs which Baller improved and after the interval, the Blues started to make things happen with outside half Luke Ford instrumental.
Ford, son of former Wales wing Steve, helped to pin the Ospreys back in their own 22 whilst centre Tom Cooper provided further confirmation of his quality.
Tries for right wing James Egan and no.8 Matthew Larsen extended the lead and although the Ospreys threatened a comeback of sorts, it was the Blues who finished the stronger to help them carry off the coveted title.
Regional High Perfomance manager Gafyn Cooper said, "We are delighted to have a team of players who want to play for each other, mamy of whom will be involved in the Wales Under 19 and Under 20s squads for the upcoming internationals.
"They have been terrific all season and to see them play as well as this in the final is great. Credit also goes to our excellent team of coaches across our age grade sides. I hope things continue in the same vein."
Scorers:
Blues Tries: Isaacs, Egan, Larsen
Conversions: Baller (2)
Penalty: Baller
Ospreys Try:Jones
Penalty: Halfpenny