By David Williams
Toby Booth insists the Ospreys are determined to stay on a roll by beating Gloucester to make the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.
Head coach Booth will send his men over the border for an Anglo-Welsh raid, armed with the confidence gained from their 23-15 victory over Sale at Bridgend’s Brewery Field.
At a time when there are no other discernible success stories in top level Welsh rugby, the Ospreys are once again the standard-bearer.
But for all their past achievements at domestic league level, this was their first knockout stage win in Europe, albeit in the last 16 stage which never used to exist.
“We talk about finding a way,” said Booth.
“Sale were very good opposition, very streetwise. They taught us a few lessons about playing in difficult conditions but our character came through and we’re through.
“It’s the first time the Ospreys won a knockout game in Europe. We’re really proud of that, but we want to continue and push.
You’d run through walls for this bloke wouldn’t you? I certainly would. Booth is building something special at the Ospreys. Exciting times for them.
— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) April 7, 2024
“Gloucester’s going to be a very tough challenge away but we’re looking forward to that.
“We’ll prepare well, dust ourselves off and enjoy some time with the fans. It’s great to see such a great atmosphere and it justified bringing the game here.”
A two-try burst in two minutes kept the Welsh flag flying in Europe.
Left wing Keelan Giles and scrum half Reuben Morgan-Williams scored the two tries which took the Welsh region into a comfortable lead, an Owen Williams penalty in the dying minutes confirming the victory.
Former Wales U20 back row star Harri Deaves deservedly won the man-of-the-match award for his work at the breakdown.
The rain came down heavily at the Brewery Field with Sale outside half Rob du Preez kicking the visitors ahead as the visitors dominated the early exchanges.
However, the Ospreys forwards began to get the upper hand through a powerful scrum and the excellent work of Deaves in the loose, earning turnovers and penalties.
The scrum earned a kickable penalty for outside half Owen Wiliams to narrow the gap, before the Ospreys scored the only try of the first half.
Centre Kieron Williams set the ball up in midfield before quick passing created space on the right, both Jack Walsh and Owen Williams getting tip passes away, centre Owen Watkin giving No 8 Morgan Morris the final pass to jink his way to the line for the try.
Could watch this all day long @ospreys fantastic result, well done to all involved! Great atmosphere too pic.twitter.com/vmxUdVCoKS
— GavC (@gavlarclaigy) April 7, 2024
It was neat inter-passing which brought the second try early in the second half, a lineout drive getting close to the line before scrum half Morgan Williams got the ball to left wing Keelan Giles who exchanged close passes with Owen Williams to go over for the score.
The Ospreys nailed that advantage straight from the kickoff as Morgan-Williams read the Sale attack to pick off the pass from du Preez and race 60 yards unopposed under the posts. Owen Williams converted to open up a 20-3 lead.
Sale’s reply came a little out of the blue, a series of missed passes opening up some space for right wing Arron Reed to pick up the bouncing ball and speed his way to the corner for his team’s first try.
️ TIPURIC
“Boys were awesome, and the crowd was awesome”
Ymateb gan gapten y Gweilch.
23 – 15
@S4C#ChallengeCupRugby | @ospreys | @RhysapWilliam pic.twitter.com/r5sjJg1woV— S4C Rygbi (@S4CRygbi) April 6, 2024
The English team narrowed the gap still further from a lineout drive, captain Ben Curry losing control of the ball as he touched down but adjudged to have held on for just long enough for the try to stand. Du Preez converted to narrow the gap to five points.
Owen Williams saw a long-range penalty attempt fall just short but would soon get an easier chance following side entry to a lineout. This time he made no mistake to put the home side more than one score ahead with time running out.