You are in > manchester.com  > News > Ospreys fly flag for Wales

Rugby Union

Ospreys fly flag for Wales

02/12/2007

Ospreys have booked their place in the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Cup with a 19-8 win over Harlequins at the Stoop.

The visitors will fly the flag for Wales in the semis thanks to Gavin Henson, who scored all his side's points.

The fly-half scored a late try which he then converted to add to his four penalties.

Ospreys had prop Paul James, full-back Lee Byrne and Henson sin binned at the end of the first half but Quins failed to capitalise.

De Wet Barry touched down in the second half for Quins while Adrian Jarvis booted over a penalty in the first-half.

Ospreys coach Lyn Jones said Henson performed well when switched from centre to fly-half.

"He was brought up at outside half and he's a good player," Jones said.

"Gav's performances are improving. He has been in and out of rugby for two years since the Lions tour and other instances and he's got fit since being left out of the World Cup.

"His fitness has improved, his confidence has shot up and he's a different person at the moment."

Elsewhere, Bristol drew 13-13 with Leeds Carnegie thanks to a late penalty.

Bristol dominated and led 10-3 at the break thanks to a try from David Blaney and a conversion and penalty from Strange.

Leeds fly-half James Brooks crossed the line after the break before Erik Lund's try put his side in front.

But Strange earned his side a draw with a penalty 12 minutes from time.

Elsewhere, London Irish scored seven tries to beat Worcester 48-27.

Tries from Gonzalo Tiesi, Deon Armitage, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Nils Mordt, Warren Fury and a brace from Richard Thorpe guided the Exiles to victory.

Both sides had already been knocked out of the Anglo-Welsh competition.