The Ospreys edged past the Sharks at the Brewery Field
The Ospreys claimed a narrow 21-17 victory over the Sharks at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.
Mark Jones’ side were good value for the win which helps their Welsh rivals Cardiff who are chasing an United Rugby Championship play-off place.
Tries from Dan Edwards, Jac Morgan and Garyn Phillips got the Ospreys over the line while Edwards also contributed six points from the kicking tee.
Phepsi Buthelezi (twice) and Ethan Hooker scored tries for the Sharks while Jean Smith kicked two points.
The Ospreys drew first blood after 11 minutes when Edwards chipped over the top of the Sharks defence before passes from Iestyn Hopkins, Evardi Boshoff and Dan Kasende put the Wales outside-half over for the try.
But the Sharks hit back when Buthelezi powered over from short-range.
The Ospreys extended their lead when Wales openside Morgan touched down courtesy of a well-worked driving lineout.
Edwards added the extras but the Hooker ran in a breakaway try against the run of play meaning the Ospreys held a slender 14-12 lead at the interval.
Ospreys extended their lead on 54 minutes when Kasende raced clear before putting loosehead prop Phillips over for a try.
Buthelezi got his second try with just 12 minutes remaining on the clock off the back of a driving lineout but it was a case of too little too late for the Sharks.
The Ospreys now turn their attention to next Friday’s Welsh derby against Cardiff in the Welsh capital.
Ospreys: Hopkins; L Morgan, Bishoff, Watkin, Kasende; Edwards, Hardy; G Thomas, Parry, Botha, Sutton, R Smith, Ratti, J Morgan (capt), Morris.
Replacements: Daniel, Phillips, Warren, Moriarty, Deaves, Morgan-Williams, P Cokanasiga, Walsh.
Sharks: Siyaya; E van der Merwe, Malan, Esterhuizen (capt), Hooker; J Smith, Jaden Hendrikse; Ganyane, Mbatha, Jacobs, Jenkins, van Heerden, Buthelezi, V Tshituka, M Tshituka.
Replacements: Swart, Nche, Koch, Rahl, Hatton, Davids, Masuku, Mapimpi.
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)