Ospreys maintain unbeaten record

Neath-Swansea Ospreys 11 Leinster 3

The Neath-Swansea Ospreys maintained their unbeaten start to the Celtic League season as they saw off Leinster for a seventh straight success.

Wales centre Sonny Parker sealed the victory with a 75th minute try to add to two earlier Gavin Henson penalties.

But Henson had an off night with the boot, missing six kicks in all as Leinster were allowed to stay in the game.

Parker had a superb game in defence as well as attack.

He marshalled Brian O’Driscoll impressively in midfield and always looked dangerous in attack.

Also outstanding for the Ospreys were prop Duncan Jones and back-row forward Andy Lloyd.

For Leinster, fly-half David Holwell kicked a penalty, but the Irish side created little against a mean defence.

The Ospreys led 6-0 at the break after an intensely competitive first half that saw every blade of grass contested.

Neither side had a clear try-scoring opportunity as defences ruled with Ospreys’ blindside Andy Lloyd the stand-out performer on the strength of a series of jarring hits.

Henson opened the scoring for the home team on 20 minutes when he punished a Leinster forward transgression.

O’Driscoll tried to spark his team into life, while Ben Gissing and Des Dillon dented the home defence with a number of strong charges.

But with Lloyd and Richie Pugh working overtime in defence, the Ospreys were able to soak up the pressure and a minute before the break Henson doubled their lead with a 50-metre shot.

David Holwell replied with a penalty for the Dubliners eight minutes into the second half, but there was still little space for either team.

Parker settled matter when he slid in after good work by Duncan Jones, Adrian Durston and Henson.

Other Celtic League result:

Borders 6 Dragons 14