Henson gives Ospreys valuable win
Neath-Swansea Ospreys 24 Harlequins 7
Neath-Swansea Ospreys gave themselves a slim chance of reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals as they saw off Harlequins 24-7 at St Helen’s.
The home side had the boot of young Wales star Gavin Henson to thank as they stayed alive in the competition.
With Castres and Munster the leading lights in Pool Four, Henson’s 24-point haul will at least make the rest sit up and take notice.
For their part, Harlequins could only muster a try by full-back Tom Williams in the second minute, converted by fly-half Jeremy Staunton.
There was little to choose between the two sides in the opening period of what began as a rather slow and dispassionate affair.
Harlequins’ early try seemed to unnerve the home side – and that was an understandable reaction given the manner of the score.
The Ospreys looked to play open attacking rugby from the off, much in the manner of the Wales national team.
But in the process, Wales and British Lions centre Dafydd James crash-tackled the ball out of the grasp of current Wales centre Gavin Henson.
Quins full-back Williams was on hand to kick ahead and the comedy of errors continued near the home line.
Former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche saw his attempted clearance charged down by Williams who duly hacked on before touching down.
Staunton converted to ease Harlequins nerves but rattle those of the hosts.
The Ospreys went into their shell somewhat after that opening passage of play and proceeded to rely on the boot of Henson for their points.
After Quins flanker Nick Easter was sin-binned for killing the ball, Henson kicked penalties in the 26th, 30th, 40th and 45th minutes to give his side a 12-7 half-time lead.
Henson’s third attempt at goal had sailed through the posts from a metre inside his own half, in the gathering gloom.
Staunton sailed wide with a penalty seven minutes after the break and after Henson did likewise with a drop-goal attempt, the visitors could only watch as the young Wales star then punished their every further indiscretion.
Henson kicked four second-half penalties to assure his team of a chance of reaching the quarter-finals, but they may have to show more ability with ball in hand if they are to succeed in that ambition.
