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Cardiff Blues U20's 25 Ospreys U20's 19

5th October 2006


Having spent two years in pursuit of the Ospreys and Scarlets, Cardiff Blues find themselves on top of all three WRU Championship tables.

After the success of the under 16s and under 18s in recent weeks, the under 20s followed suit last night with a workmanlike 25-19 victory over the Ospreys at the Arms Park.

And for Gafyn Cooper, the region's high performance manager, it was yet another night of delight for the ever-improving regional teams.

"Although it was quite close in terms of the scoreline, our forwards dominated the game. They managed a hat trick of smash and grab tries, but we were deserved winners and without exception, we are looking forward to the next roundof games."

Wing Gareth Jones set the ball rolling with a try for the Blues before scrum half Tom Isaac added a second. A penalty try plus two penalties and as many conversions from Pontypridd's Kristian Baller edged out the Ospreys who led 19-18 as the game rumbled on into injury time.

Wings Lee Halfpenny, with two, and Jason Howells bagged the tries for the Ospreys who put up a wonderful rearguard action in the face of some intense pressure.

Tom Cole added the extras for the Ospreys with two conversions but it was a night that belonged to the Blues.
In the other game, the Dragons were beaten 35-5 by a Scarlets side still smarting from their opening night defeat at the hands of the Blues.

There were five tries in all for the Scarlets who led 14-0 in as many minutes and 28-5 at the interval. Centre Richard Thomas and full back Daniel Evans both helped themselves to a pair of tries whilst replacement scrum half Justin James added the fifth late on. Evans added five conversions to finish the night with 20 points. For the Dragons, there was a consolation try before half time for hooker and captain Ben Roberts.