Although Gavin Henson had given his side a 6-0 half time lead he was not on top form with the boot – with instead the plaudits going to Sonny Parker who not only collected the try which sealed the win but also produced a fine defensive showing.

In a keenly contested first period the home pack were able to dominate their opposite numbers with flanker Andy Lloyd to the fore – but neither side looked able to create a try scoring opportunity – Henson’s penalties after 20 minutes and just before the break giving the Ospreys the advantage.
David Holwell struck back early in the second period but the game remained extremely tight – as one would expect from the top two teams in the league.

Brian O’Driscoll tried to forge a decisive break in mid field but the Ospreys defence – marshalled by Parker – stood firm and with only five minutes left on the clock it was Parker who ensured the win when he was able to capitalise on good foundations laid by Duncan Jones and Adrian Durston.

After the game Ospreys coach Lyn Jones was delighted to have overcome the Irish side "It was an intense game, no inches given or asked for. The two packs of forwards got really stuck into each other."
"Not only did they not score a try , they didn’t look like scoring one. Not only are we catching them up (the Irish provinces) but we’re going to surpass them."