Ospreys soar past Edinburgh

Neath-Swansea Ospreys 42 Edinburgh 18

The Ospreys knocked Edinburgh off their perch at the top of the Celtic League, helped by 22 points from the boot of full-back Gavin Henson.

They also scored four tries, which ensured a crucial bonus point.

But the hope of a home victory was in some doubt at half-time with the two sides locked 13-13 despite the Ospreys having to endure a strong wind in their faces in the first period.

But five penalties for man-of-the-match Henson at the start of the second half gave the Ospreys an important 15-point cushion at 28-13.

The Ospreys, however, rather sat back on their advantage and Edinburgh were allowed to respond with a try through left-wing Hugo Southwell.

But despite losing skipper Scott Gibbs with a dead leg at the beginning of the second half, his stand-in Barry Williams rallied the troops for a big finish.

Though renowned for an expansive game, it was from a line-out drive that the Ospreys earned their third try for the lock Andy Newman.

With the match all-but sealed the Ospreys went in search of a bonus point and it duly arrived when replacement centre James Storey broke free from a tackle to go over.

In the first half, Gibbs had crossed for a try along with outside-half Shaun Connor that had helped to cancel out a five-pointer from Derrick Lee after the Scottish side had led 10-3 after 15 minutes.

The Ospreys will now be hoping Gibbs recovers in time for the difficult trip to face Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park next Saturday.