Ospreys dig in to secure a welcome home win

OSPREYS traditionally catch a cold at this time of year, but they were in good health in Swansea as they secured an important victory.

A lack of squad depth has prompted some trying times during autumn Test periods for the Liberty Stadium-based team in recent seasons.

But it all came right for Toby Booth’s men against Glasgow, with a try in each half hoisting them to only their second home win in 12 months.

They cut down the errors that had blighted their display against Ulster with hooker Dewi Lake outstanding and lock Adam Beard, the official man of the match, also to the fore.

But it was a team effort that got them over the line.

Glasgow had seemed well in charge when 12-3 ahead after tries from Huw Jones and George Turner early on.

But the Ospreys dug in, with their pack working overtime and No.10 Stephen Myler controlling matters behind.

Reuben Morgan-Williams crossed for a try before half-time and then Kieran Williams went over, with Myler impeccable in front of goal for a 13-point haul.

Probably, the Ospreys would have lost this game last season. How they turned around just two points adrift was a mystery Sherlock Holmes would have struggled to get his head around.

The Scots were on top for much of the opening half, winning lightningquick ball from rucks, breaking tackles and spreading the ball at every turn with the likes of Jones and Nick Grigg to the fore.

When Myler banged over his second penalty two minutes into the second half, the Ospreys were ahead despite the pressure they’d been under in the early stages.

Glasgow hit back through a Peter Horne penalty, only for the Ospreys to counter through a score in the corner from Kieran Williams, set up by Morgan-Williams.

Another Myler penalty put the hosts 23-15 in front.

Beard was yellow-carded late on, but the Ospreys were able to hold out.