Scarlets 22 pts. Ospreys 12
Early in this WRU Reebok Regional U16 match, the young Ospreys were looking confident of solidifying their position at the top of the Reebok table after scoring two early tries in the first half through wings Bowdy Davies and Brian Barlow. One try was converted by Tom Prydie to put the Ospreys 12-nil up after 20 minutes. A gutsy resurgence by the Scarlets forwards provided a solid scrum 10 metres out from the Ospreys line. The scrum provided a very quick channel and number eight Kirby Mayhill picked the ball up immediately from the base and crashed over for a vital score just before half-time to reduce the deficit. The Scarlets camped in the Ospreys half early on in second half as a result of controlling possession up front where Mayhill was outstanding with several surges and crunching tackles. The rest of the pack responded to this and a rallying cry by second row and captain Luke Hamilton provided lots of good ball for the backs where Dyfan Dafydd started to take control. Ten minutes into the half, centre Dale Ford slotted over a 45-metre penalty to claw back the deficit to four points (12-8) and Ford continued with a classy break after quick ball from Dafydd to cross for a vital try which he also converted to put the Scarlets in the lead by 15-12. A shocked Ospreys team tried in vain to gain some ascendancy, but the Scarlets' dominance continued. Substitute prop Rob Evans crashed over five minutes from time after several minutes of pick- and-drive pressure in the opposition 22 for a try converted again by Ford from the touchline. A large jubilant crowd showed their appreciation for a highly entertaining, competitive match with excellent skills and the 22-12 win now puts Scarlets in with a chance of qualifying for the final should they beat Blues North in a rearranged match in January. The final home match for Scarlets U16 team is on Wednesday, January 23, at Narberth, against the Dragons. Kick-off is at 7.15 pm.