Opsreys get losing bonus point in close Connacht clash

It was a close contest throughout in the swirling wind of Galway. Ospreys and Connacht took back-and-forth scores to keep the game level until the final ten minutes, but it was the hosts who grabbed the decisive winning try at the end.

It will come as no surprise to any previous visitors to the Dexcom Stadium that conditions were led by a strong wind. Ospreys were the first team to apply the pressure in opposition 22 with both a lineout and scrum, but an organised Connacht defence forced an early turnover to relieve pressure.

The home team contested well at the breakdown in the early stages, picking their key moments after the tackle winning another turnover near halfway.

With just under 10 minutes played, the home team began to impose themselves and enjoyed a strong spell of territory and possession. A maul from a lineout on the Ospreys five was orginally kept out by the Ospreys pack, but good speed at the breakdown saw Connachy converty through a powerful carry from Hurley-Langton. Ioane got the extras. Connacht 7 - 0 Ospreys.

At the restart, consistent defensive pressure from the Ospreys forced Connacht into making an ill advised pass that Keiran Williams read to perfection, but with finger tips on the ball he couldn't quite bring it in. But, the close call awakened the boys who began to smell blood after Connacht’s abrasive start to the game.

TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Ospreys marched down the field after an excellent break from Dan Kasende and forced a penalty near the line. We opted for the tap and after the switcheroo between Luke Davies and Sam Parry sent the ball out wide, Dan Kasende powered over in the corner to finsh what he started. A reward for the Postman's fine first 25 minutes of the game! Dan Eds drilled the kick from the left touchline right through the middle of the sticks, unphased by the windy conditions. Connacht 7 - 7 Ospreys.

As the first half progressed, Dan Eds and Walshy began to dictate play, growing in confidence with every touch of the ball. The scrum was also clear area of dominance for the pack and the boys began to turn the screw, opting for several scrums on the Connacht five metre line. The opposition team were penalised and eventually warned by the ref, but after an extended spell of pressure deep into home side’s 22 they cleared their lines and made a lucky escape. 

A quality set play gave Dan Edwards a half gap and we put on the burners to carve through the Connacht defence. He passed inside to Jac Morgan who finished, but a check from the TMO called the pass forward and the try was disallowed (after Dan nailed the conversion!)

A tight back-and-forth first half sent us in level at half time.
 

HALF TIME: CONNACHT 7 - 7 OSPREYS

Connacht started the second half similarly to the first, asking some early questions of the Ospreys defence. They were rewarded for their quick start again, with Hurley-Langton coming away with a secon try after a few battering phases near the Ospreys’ tryline. Conversion made, Connacht 14 - 7 Ospreys.

Ospreys answered back almost instantly, winning a first penalty immediately after the kick off and then a second near the try line. Connacht were reduced to 14 men following their warning just before the end of the first half. Unfortunately another opportunity went amiss, with Connacht’s defence standing firm again to force a knock on.

TRY FOR THE OSPREYS! Some relentless attack off quick ball opened up an opportunity for Nagy to break down the blindside and he offloaded to Lukey Mogz who flew in for the score. Dan Eds drilled it against the wind for the extras. Connacht 14 - 14 Ospreys.

In his first start since injury, captain Jac Morgan looked like he had never been away. the Lion was everywhere on both sides of the ball.

With just over 10 minutes to go, Connacht had the ball in Ospreys territory with momentum on their side. Step in Morgan Morris who came away with a monstrous turnover to swing the pendulum.

Connacht were once again on the attack in the final ten as Bundee Aki burst down the wing. It looked like a sure try, but Dan Kasende put in a vital tap tackle to bring him down. Unfortunately, Jac Morgan saw yellow in the next passage of play and we were reduced to 14 men until the finish. Connacht took a shot at goal from the resulting penalty, but missed the sitcks to leave it level. 

With the man advantage, it was Connacht who were able to deal the final blow. Matthew Devine crossed after Connacht burst through the midfield, and the conversion found its way home. The home team played the conditions well until the final whistle, grabbing the win at the death and leaving Ospreys with a consolation losing bonus point. Connacht 21 - 14 Ospreys.
 
A word for Ospreys substitues Harri Williams, who made his professional debut at scrum half, and Garyn Phillips, who notched up with 50th cap. Llongyfarchiaday, boys!

FULL TIME: CONNACHT 21 - 14 OSPREYS