Flying Ospreys see off spirited Hartpury challenge
LUKE Morgan’s try was the highlight as Ospreys began their season with a convincing win at the Gnoll.
Since being called into the Welsh squad last autumn, the 27-year-old wing has been largely overlooked by Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, but his superb 55m burst was a clear reminder of his talent.
Ospreys’ coach, Allen Clarke, said: “Luke showed he is a great finisher but it was great work from James Hook and Tom Williams to give him the opportunity.
“A number of our youngsters stood up, Jay and Tom Williams and Guido Volpi in particular as they are not members of our regular squad, and it was pleasing to come back and win well at Neath, where it all began for the Ospreys.
“Our performance reflected all the hard work we’ve put in and we have arranged another friendly at Edinburgh in a fortnight’s time when a number of our leading players will be eased back in.”
It did take some time for Ospreys to subdue their spirited opponents as their lead was only 12-5 at the interval with Jay Williams forcing his way over for their first try before former Hartpury star, Morgan Morris, charged down a clearance from Mike Wilcox for the second.
No.8 Will Safe and captain Luke Carter were lively performers for Hartpury and when Luke Eves responded with a try just before half-time, they must have fancied their chances especially when Ospreys withdrew their best forwards, Scott Otten and Sam Cross.
However it wasn’t to be as Hartpury made numerous changes, which caused disruption and allowed Ospreys to take control with three tries in 15 minutes.
A clever chip ahead from Cai Evans saw Dewi Cross win the race for the touchdown, then came Morgan’s classic, before Volpi drove over from a 5m scrum.
Replacement, Chay Smith, emphasised the Welsh’s side superiority with a sixth try to leave Hartpury coach, Mark Cornwell, frustrated with his side’s performance.
He said: “Despite having
trained for the last three months, we were rusty and made a lot of errors.
“Ospreys were very disciplined and caused us a lot of problems at the breakdown, but we gave away too many penalties and when we brought on less experienced players, we couldn’t cope with their physicality.
“We haven’t got any remaining friendlies so we will use the three games in the cup competition to make sure we are ready for the league.”