Ospreys blank Zebre in Bridgend to claim first URC win of the season
The region had opened with two defeats in South Africa, but tries from centre Phil Cokanasiga, number eight Morgan Morse and lock James Ratti, plus nine points from the boot of Wales fly-half Dan Edwards, secured a first win in front of a 4,519 crowd in Bridgend.
Fast start
After flanker Harri Deaves had led the side out on his 50th appearance, the Ospreys started confidently with Cokanasiga dummying his way over the try line after 15 minutes, finishing off a break from midfield partner Keiran Williams.
Moments later, Ospreys struck again from a stolen Zebre lineout. Ross Moriarty carried strongly down the left before Williams’ offload released 20‑year‑old Morse, who showed his pace to race clear for a second score.
Edwards converted both for a 14-0 lead, but Ospreys lost scrum‑half Kieran Hardy to a wrist injury before the break — a concern for new Wales coach Steve Tandy, watching from the stands.
Second half frustration
The Italians of Zebre, who had won their opening two games, offered little in attack but frustrated Ospreys after the restart.
A knock‑on denied Williams a try created by full‑back Jack Walsh, while replacement back Tom Florence failed to give a walk‑in pass to Reuben Morgan‑Williams.
Edwards stretched the lead with a penalty on 58 minutes before the versatile Ratti, switched to the back row, powered over with six minutes left. Edwards’ third conversion sealed the 24–0 scoreline, but further chances for a fourth try went begging.
Reaction and context
The result ended a run of four straight league defeats stretching back to April for Mark Jones’ side and marked a proud moment for Bridgend‑born captain Dewi Lake, who skippered the side at their temporary home.
Zebre’s miserable record in Wales continued — now 39 defeats in 41 visits — while Ospreys move on to face Glasgow Warriors next weekend. Zebre host unbeaten Stormers.
Teams
Ospreys XV:
Walsh, Kasende, P Cokanasiga, K Williams, Giles; Edwards, Hardy; G Thomas, Lake (captain), Botha, Ratti, Sutton, Moriarty, Deaves, Morse.
Replacements:
L Lloyd, Phillips, Warren, R Davies, Fender, Morgan‑Williams, Florence, Hopkins.
Zebre XV:
Montemauri, Pani, Zanon, Lucchin, Gesi; Farias, Dominguez; Buonfiglio (captain), Ribaldi, Nocera, Canali, Ortombina, Volpi, Bianchi, Ruggeri.
Replacements:
Quattrini, Hasa, Pitinari, Carrera, Locatelli, Varotto, Morisi, M Belloni.
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) Assistants: Ben Connor (WRU), Aaron Parry (WRU) TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
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