Leeds Carnegie were the visitors for Ospreys' first pre-season friendly, in a preview of their visit "in anger" next February in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Ospreys will be hoping it was a full dress-rehearsal, as they eased to a 35-20 victory in an entertaining match.
Despite the farcical number of substitutions, both sides held together commendably well, and there was little of the rustiness usually associated with these affairs. While the home side always had the edge, Leeds played positively, scored three tries, and never let the Ospreys out of sight.
The big "draw" for the game was the debut of trophy signing Jerry Collins (right) at No8., and he was fully involved without ever being conspicuous. Meanwhile, veteran full-back Barry Davies looked at or near his creative best and seems a fine signing for the region as cover for Lee Byrne. Davies created the first score for Johnny Vaughton with a perfect grubber kick, then scored himself soon afterward. Replaced on 65 minutes, he'd played a blinder and should he keep that up, Byrne will be kept on his toes.
What on Earth the Ospreys were doing playing in "Newport" colours, however, is anyone's guess. It's not a bad strip per se, but it's a departure from black-and-white, and it doesn't sit well. Gold just doesn't feel Ospreylian, somehow...
