OSPREYS kept their recent good run of form going on Sunday, January 1, as they beat Cardiff 19-22 at the Arms Park.
The Swansea-based side had beaten Scarlets on Boxing Day while Cardiff beat the Dragons so both sides went into this game full of confidence.
And it was one that got the fans excited too with 12,125 turning up to watch the game.
It was the home side who took the lead with Owen Lane grabbing the opening try of the game followed by the conversion from Jarrod Evans.
The Ospreys hit back though and some excellent forward play allowed Sam Parry in to score their first try of the game. Owen Williams then added the extras to level the scores.
With 28 minutes gone Cardiff regained the lead as Liam Belcher touched the ball down. The conversion was missed but the home side held a 12-7 lead.
That’s how it stayed until half time but just four minutes into the second half Ospreys were level once more as Owen Williams scored from close range. That levelled the score once more but the conversion was again missed.
Ten minutes later the Ospreys were ahead as Dewi Lake powered his way over and Williams added the extras to make it 12-19.
With 64 minutes on the clock Ospreys’ Ethan Roots was shown a yellow card and it didn’t take long for Cardiff to make their man-advantage count.
Josh Adams slid over in the corner and Evans added the extras to make the score 19-19 with thirteen minutes left to play.
With seven to go the home side were dealt a blow as Kirby Myhill was sent to the sin bin, leaving Cardiff to finish the game with 14 men.
It was a nerve-wracking finale for both sets of teams and supporters but four minutes from the end it was the Ospreys who had the chance to re-take the lead.
Williams held his nerve and landed a penalty to put the visitors three points in front.
Ospreys held on for their third win of the season and it sees them move up to 12th place in the URC standings.
On Saturday, January 7, Ospreys welcome top of the table Leinster to the Swansea.Com stadium as they look to keep their good form going, kick off at 7:35pm.
Cardiff will look to bounce back on Saturday, as they welcome Scarlets to Cardiff Arms Park, kick off at 5:15pm.
