The Blues U18 ground out a 14-8 win over the Ospreys at Abercwmboi to maintain their impressive form in the age grade championship.
Gus McPherson and Matthew Marley both crossed for tries with fly half Jarrad Evans converting both scores. Owen Howe had given the Ospreys the lead with an early penalty but the only other score they managed was a late try from centre Joe Thomas.
Both sides started the game with great intent, moving the ball around and playing with confidence. After 20 minutes of almost nonstop play, indiscipline at the breakdown by the Blues gave an opportunity for Howe to give the young Ospreys the lead.
He duly obliged but failed with a second attempt to extend his side’s cushion. The Blues then started to apply all the pressure back on to the young Ospreys and it was the visitors’ turn to be caught infringing at the breakdown. After kicking a penalty to the corner, the Blues put in a great catch and drive which was heading for the Ospreys line. Some great work from the Ospreys’ forwards brought down the maul but the Blues made no mistake second time round.
Showing a great deal of confidence, the Blues again kicked for the lineout and with a clean catch and drive, drove over for the first try. Prop McPherson emerged with the ball, Evans converted and the Blues went into the break with a 7-3 lead.
The Ospreys commenced the second half well but some silly handling errors gave the Blues easy territory. They made the most of this advantage, Marley adding a second converted score as the Blues looked to be out of sight.
Despite a 14-3 deficit, the young Ospreys were determined to get the game back on track. Thomas soon replied with a score of his own though Luke Price failed to convert for the extra points.
Buoyed by the score, the Ospreys started to put together some good phases of play and dominate possession. After earning a number of penalties, the visitors failed to take advantage and could not break the Blues stubborn defence.