Ospreys retain their U18 crown

On a day spoilt by the conditions, heavy rain and high winds making life particularly difficult, the holders came out on top. The Blues took the lead on ten minutes courtesy of a penalty from Joe Deacon, but the Ospreys struck back a minute later when prolific wing Liam Osowicsz nipped around the blind side for a try that Daniel Biggar converted.

After that, it was very much a nip and tuck affair with both sides posing problems.

It was the Blues who struck next, with scrum half Rhys Downes tapping a penalty from five metres and reaching out for the line. Deacon converted for a 10-7 lead and the Blues, with the wind at their backs, looked well set to kick on and rattle up a healthy half-time advantage.

However, when fullback James Loxton fluffed a clearance kick on his own line, centre Ashley Beck was on hand to cross for a try that Biggar failed to convert.

Leading 12-10 at the interval, the Ospreys themselves fancied their chances of pushing on and taking the game away from a Blues side who had beaten them twice in the regular season. Unfortunately, when the kick off was dropped, the Blues assumed a position of promise and wing Joe Xiberas was sent in at the corner for a 15-12 lead.

Biggar levelled matters with a penalty and in the final quarter and with the conditions worsening, fullback Chris Lewis handed the Ospreys the title when he chipped over Loxton and followed up to cross for a try; Biggar converted again.

It was just about a deserved win for the Ospreys although they had to withstand some heavy Blues pressure in the final ten minutes.