The Blues under 18s saw their hopes of reaching the final of the WRU Age Grade Championship all but disappear last night as they went down 27-16 to the Ospreys at the Ely Memorial Ground.
Starting the night in fourth, a point behind the Ospreys, three behind the Dragons and a further seven adrift of the Scarlets, the Blues knew that nothing less than a victory would suffice.
But despite leading for much of the first ha;f, they lost their way in the final quarter and saw the Ospreys steal a significant march in the race for a place in the final at St Helens in January.
A penalty from Diggy Bird gave the Blues an early lead, but Gareth Harveys converted try edged the Ospreys ahead after 12 minutes.
A second penalty from Bird and a converted try from Tom Rowlands put the Blues back in control at 13-7 and they led 16-14 10 minutes into the second half after Bird responded with a penalty to the Ospreys second try, this time from Sam Hughes.
After that, however, the Ospreys showed their determination and drive and after Chris Banfields converted try had given the visitors the lead, Tom Prydie added a brace of penalties to make sure.
The game between the Dragons and Scarlets, due to be played last night at Newbridge, was postponed due to the weather. A date for the replay will be announced shortly.