As predicted the outcome of the match was in the balance right up to the final whistle. Both teams were fully committed and succeeded in cancelling each other’s attacking threats from the off. As a result, sustained periods of pressure from either side were very limited.
The opening exchanges saw the Scarlets gain the upper hand at the set pieces with both scrum and line out working effectively, however this advantage was not maintained after the interval as the heavier Osprey pack gained parity and a greater share of forward momentum.
It was indeed the Ospreys who gained first blood on 12 minutes when a perfectly timed and angled run at pace by centre Jess Smith saw her split the defence and score from the 22.
With ferocious tackling from all concerned the Scarlets realised that their most potent attacking threat was the catch and drive and this they utilised effectively to gain ground on numerous occasions.
The Ospreys stopped two advancing charges illegally and on the second occasion Jodie Evans was within reach to slot over the penalty and open the Scarlets account. Individuals like Sioned Harries and Mari Griffiths warmed the Scarlet supporters with their charges whereas Siwan Lillicrap was a constant gain line crosser for the Ospreys.
The second half followed the same basic trend, Harries again going close early on but slow ball preventing her team from capitalising on the disarray that had been caused in Osprey ranks.
There followed a period when the Ospreys were camped in opposition territory for about ’10 minutes with a chip and chase attempt nearly being grounded before the dead ball line. However on the Scarlets next incursion an accidental offside call led to a strategic lineout placement that was utilised fully.
Following the successful catch and take the pack gathered and with good body angles were able to drive the opposition back with the match official at hand to view Sioned Harries grounding beyond the try line and establish a three point margin in the Scarlets favour with 15 minutes left to play.
One final impressive Harries charge was offered together with a Joanna Price penalty that bounced infield off the upright but the Ospreys were gallant to the very end and were mounting attack after attack right up to the final whistle in the belief that the match could be salvaged.
The Scarlets should now be favourites to take this year’s Championship being the only side that have two victories and an impressive points difference under their belt and will face the Blues at Llandovery on Sunday with renewed confidence.
The preceding match saw a resurgent Dragons come close to causing an upset when they went down by 18-14 against the Blues.
Robyn Wilkins opened the Blues account with a penalty before good interplay between Carys Williams and Elinor Snowsill saw the latter score and convert for the Dragons. Two tries in quick succession took the gloss off the Dragons first half display – one a charge from close range by Lilly Snape and the other a looping run from fullback Laurie Harries.
In the second period the speed of Rafiuke Taylor ensured victory for the Blues but they spent some nail biting minutes towards the end as a penalty try was granted for taking the lineout catch and drive to ground and with Snowsill’s conversion the Dragons came to within four points of causing an upset.
