Glasgow Warriors 31 – 23 Ospreys
Nikki Walker’s hat trick proved in vain as the Ospreys suffered a shock defeat against Glasgow Warriors at Firhill in a Magners League clash.
The victory ensured the Warriors ended a four-match losing streak. The Ospreys were well positioned at the break, leading 16-11, but the Welsh region couldn’t cope with Glasgow’s spirited second half effort.
The defeat was compounded when Wales full back Lee Byrne was forced off with an injury just a day before he was due to meet up with the rest of the Welsh squad for the forthcoming autumn series.
Walker’s two first half tries and two penalties from Dan Biggar edged the Ospreys in front of their hosts who saw second row Richie Gray stun the Welsh side with a solo try. Ruaridh Jackson kept the Scots in touch by adding two penalties.
The Ospreys were their own worst enemey, gifting Glasgow a try when Jamie Nutbrown coughed up the ball at the back of a scrum. The Glasgow back row snaffled the ball up for Vernon to crash over. Replacement fly half Duncan Weir added the extras to put the home side in front for the first time of the game.
Kevin Tkachuk put the issue beyong doubt when he crashed over to deny the Ospreys a losing bonus point. Even Walker’s third try of the game in the final act wasn’t enough to bring the Ospreys within seven points.
