Ospreys returned to Bridgend and recorded consecutive whitewash victories against Italian opposition 

Beaten, but not broken, there were signs of real grit, defensive resolve, and great attacking cohesion at times. This is all despite the scoreboard not being in their favour on both occasions in Pretoria and Cape Town. 

However, Mark Jones’ side made their return to the Dunraven Brewery Field, the setting of which saw the very first Celtic League match- Bridgend vs Pontypridd in August 2001. The Brewery Field is rich in Welsh rugby history. 

From Bridgend RFC's proud past, to the modern-day Ravens who have started positively in Super Rygbi Cymru. It’s a ground that’s got character, everywhere you look.

In the far corner outside of Gates one and two, a mural of the late JPR Williams stands in all its glory, as fans walked past to enter the historic ground.  

In fact, 4,591 were in attendance, which is more than at their last outing against Edinburgh in Bridgend last October. There’s something about the Ospreys returning here to Bridgend, a sense of togetherness.

Supporters were joyously sipping pints of the Ospreys’ main shirt sponsor, Pravha, while younger supporters wore retro, perhaps hand-me-downs from their older relatives, alongside this season’s shirts. For the first time in the Ospreys' history these supporters will have a season-long journey in Bridgend. 

said Bridgend Ravens supporter Wayne Barrington. 

From Williams, JJ Williams and Glen Webbe, all flamboyant and household names. Nowadays, those names have been transformed into future greats of Welsh Rugby, such as Dewi Lake, who captained the Ospreys in their first home game of the season. One thing they have in common is that they’ve all played for Bridgend.

Unlike the spaciousness of the Liberty/Swansea.com Stadium, which the Ospreys have called home for over two decades. At the Brewery Field, spectators are on the touchline, close enough to hear the thud of tackles, such as hits from Ross Moriarty and, on his 50th appearance, Harri Deaves in the match. 

The tight stands, and when both Dan Edwards and Martin Roger Farias kicked to touch, it was a test for the supporters standing close to the action, to catch the ball with the odd kick echoing off the rusty but faded blue and white roofs—proper old school. 

For the Ospreys, it’s about showing the rest of the United Rugby Championship sides that the Brewery Field is a fortress. Italian side Zebre may not be the league’s standout side, but after recording home wins against Glasgow Warriors and Lions, they are dangerous and unpredictable. Quick to punish, and were not shy in ruining the homecoming of the Ospreys.  

Outside half, Roger Francis, got proceedings underway with Giovanni Montemauri instantly hearing the roar of the main terrace when taking a highball. Every error, when in attack, the home faithful made their voices heard. 

The chants of “Ospreys, Ospreys, Ospreys”, and “Ole, Ole, Ole” were being repeated proudly around the terraces and stands. Whilst a small section behind the posts had supporters wearing Munster Rugby shirts, with Tom and his Stag singing The Fields of Athenry. This all added to the special atmosphere. Something which has been a distant memory for the Ospreys. 

Then, after a competitive opening period, it was to the home supporters' delight that Jones’ side opened the scoring. Outside centre, Phil Cokanasiga showed and go to score his first in Ospreys colours. 

Quickly, following this, perhaps a Wales hopeful for the Autumn Internationals, which begin next month, Morgan Morse showed his pace and raced over, with in-form Edwards adding the extras on both occasions. 

The songs continued to be sung as the half went on, with winger Daniel Kasende being serenaded after an off-the-ball infringement with Simone Gesi to the tune of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.

Concerningly, following this, scrum half Kieran Hardy was replaced by Reuben Morgan-Williams. The 29-year-old left the field of play with his arm up by his side, looking rather negative. 

Then, with the sun shrouded by grey clouds, light pushed through as the second half began. Before entering the final quarter, the hosts claimed a penalty after a dominant scrum, and Edwards converted, which meant the Ospreys went 17-0. 

Fullback Montemauri, who had a quiet afternoon, made a brilliant break upfield before the loudest cheer of the day came from Deaves as he expertly regained possession at the breakdown. The half-centaurion is a big fan favourite, with the crowd chanting “Deaves, Deaves, Deaves” while he wears his “magic” yellow scrum cap. 

In the closing moments, James Ratti powered his way over for the hosts’ third with Edwards remaining 100% from the tee. 

There is a storm ahead for the Ospreys in navigating through the WRU’s conclusion of the consultation period at the end of the month. Will four become two? Who knows? If you’re a half-glass-full sort of person, instead of looking for positives, they were clearly on show throughout the 80 minutes in abundance.

Showing the fundamental community aspect of regional rugby. Saturday afternoon was Welsh Rugby at its finest. 

FT: Ospreys 24-0 Zebre