Blues stroll at the Dairy Feild

By Andrew Collins
May 11 2005

The Blues won in spectacular style against the combined Llanharren side. Cardiff travelled to the Dairy Field to face the relegated side with help from 3 Wanderers and 3 Cardiff RFC players.

13 tries without reply was the final score against the combined side, scoring a total of 83 points and successfully completing the warm-up match with-out injury’s or fitness worries.

Tries in the first half came from (in order), Robin Sowden-Taylor, Rhys Williams, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Powell, Dean Dewdney, Rhys Tomas and Dean Dewdney again. All 7 tries were converted superbly by full-back Nick Macleod, including 2 tough, touch-line kicks. The half time score saw the Blues lead 49-0.

The second half saw some changes to the side but not to the performance. Nuthall, Nathan Travett, Schubert, James Goode, Walne, Czekaj, Gareth Williams, Nathan Budgett and Quinnell all came on none making a huge impact but continuing with the rout.

Dewdney got another 2 to start the half closely followed by another try from hooker Rhys Tomas. Surprisingly, all conversions were missed by Macleod who had a quiet day in defence. Nick Robinson turned on the style in the last 15 minutes getting a great solo try, in which the outside half side-stepped, dummied and outpaced the tiring Llanharen defence. Macloed converted.

Chris Czekaj got his first try for the Blues, running-in from 30 meters simply too quick for anyone to catch. Macleod missed in spectacular fashion, completely scuffing the conversion from wide left.

The final try came form James Goode where the 6ft 7” 22-year old dummied a pass, opening up the space and turning on the gas to run over from 30 meters. The try converted by Macleod, who had a good day with the boot except for the minor blip in the second half.

It was a good attacking performance but a pointless game in terms of the standard of opposition. They will face a much tougher task out in Italy against a strong Calvisano side, who will be looking to build in this years success in the Heineken cup.

Full Time:- Llanherren, Cardiff RFC and Wanderers 0 – Cardiff Blues 83

Ratings x/10

Player	Rating
	1.John Yapp - 7 Was good in the scrum and made 1 or 2 nice runs in the first half but replaced early in the second half by Nathan Travett (6)
	2. Rhys Thomas - 8 Took his 2 tries well and looked good with line outs and scrums. He looked hungriest of all the forwards. he was replaced late on by Gareth Williams (5)
	3. Ben Evens - 5 Was very quiet and possessed no real threat. He will need to be on top of his game in Italy, if Martin Jones can't find fitness in time.
	4. Deiniol Jones - 6 Was an effective target in the line-outs but quiet everywhere else. Later replaced by James Goode (8)
	5. Rob Sidoli - 8 Took some excellent re-starts, plucking the ball out of the air with great precision and handling. He also controlled the line-outs and bossed the forwards about. Replaced by Quinnell (7)
	6. Robin Sowden-Taylor - 8 Looked physical and up for it. His two tries in the opening 20 minutes were both good run-in's where he was able to show his ball carrying ability. Replaced by Nathan Budgett (5)
	7. Mama Molitika - 7 Played well, did the right thing every time and made some good tackles. Mama will be a good acquisition for the club in the squad rotation system.
	8. Mark Lewis - 7 Played his best game by far for Cardiff making some good runs and filling in for the lack of Schubert. He offers a different edge to Kort in that he is more of a powerhouse runner than the US Eagle. If he can keep that form going, he will have a successful game in Italy. Replaced by Kort (6)
	9. Ryan Powell - 7 Did a good job vocally of directing the forwards. At times I was able to hear him giving direct orders to each player during rolling mauls and rucks. Replaced by Nick Walne (5)
	10. Nicky Robinson - 8 1st half he was quiet taking some poor ball, but 2nd half he came into his own scoring a fantastic solo try. He showed his creativity and what we've been missing all season. Nicky must be that good in Italy if we are going to be in the Heineken Cup next season.
	11. Craig Morgan - 7 Was tidy, he set up Powell's try with a nice burst of speed, then took out the last man before popping the ball to the scrum half. He still seems to lack confidence in 1-on-1 situations. Replaced by M. Nuthall (5)
	12. Tristan Davies - 7 Played well making some strong runs, but he is not physical enough to trouble a more talented defence.
	13. Rhys Williams - 8 Took his try well and looked a constant threat. He was replaced at half time which was a shame because he looked on good form. Sub for Chris Czekaj (6)
	14. Dean Dewdney - 9 Scored a hat-trick plus one. 4 tries from the winger who signed a new deal 3 months ago. Everything he touched seemed to end well, is a great player and always wants to play for Cardiff.
	15. Nick Macleod - 7 His kicking performance was excellent, particularly in the first half. He was untroubled at full back and looked ok when filling in at fly-half.