Blues Win at Glasgow
2-Try Mama
By Andrew Collins
September 28 2005
The Blues won their seond game on the bounce, and first away since 22nd January on Saturday as a win over scots' Glasgow saw the Blues leap to top Welsh team and 2nd in the table.
Despite being once again at a major injury crisis', the Blues were the only Welsh side to pick up a win on the weekend as they travelled to Scotland for Munster-beating Glasgow.
Xavier Rush, Tom Shanklin, Gethin Jenkins, Martyn Williams, Marc Sterchebina, Dean Dewdney, Tristan Davies and Nick Macleod were all unavailable, however Blues favourite Jamie Robinson played the entire match from center.
Team
R. Williams, Czekaj, J. Robinson, L. Thomas, Morgan, N. Robinson, R. Powell, Yapp, G. Williams, Evans, D. Jones, Sidoli, Molitika, Sowden-Taylor, A. Powell.
Subs Used
Roberts for Morgan (67), R. Thomas for G. Williams (20), Quinnell for D. Jones (67), Llewellyn for R. Thomas (80).
Glasgow got off to a great start, taking a 10 point lead through a Dan Parks penalty and conversion of Calvin Howarth try as the Blues defence provided almost non-exitstant. But Nicky Robinson kick-started the inspired performance with a 40 meter try, dancing between tackles to score and convert a try under the posts.
Cardiff livened up and began to take control of the match, and following a good break by flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor, the ball was recycled and spread wide, Jmaie Robinson priving a great slap pass to Craig Morgan who had the space to dive in at the corner, converted by Nicky.
With Rhys back at Full back, and the new centre partnership of Lee Thomas and Jamie Robinson, the Blues seemed more able to find that cutting edge, with Thomas in particular looking significantly improved on last year.
Despite taking an early battering, the scoreboard at half time read,
Glasgow 10 Cardiff Blues 14
And the story after the break was very much the same, Cardiff were looking good in attack, and defient in defence and as the minutes passed, they began to look more composed with the lead.
They then streched their lead through Mamma Molitika, who who bushed aside weak tackles with ease to touchdown right under the posts for Robinson to convert.
Glasgow breached Cardiffs line almost instantly after, with Mike Roberts adding the score, however the extra 2 point conversion was missed to the Blues relief.
Molitika added another try short after to give Cardiff a comfortable lead and an all importnat bonus point for scoring 4 tries.
Jamie Roberts then replaced captain Rhys Williams on 67 minutes to pick up his first cap. Rhys however is now doubtful for Saturday's Anglo-Welsh game against Saracens.
2 Minutes later, Glasgow made life very tricky by adding another try, Sean Lamonts brother Rory crossed taking the Scots to within a score, but the Blues held out the last 10 minutes and collected all 5 away points.
Dai Young spoke after the match,
"If we're going to be successful away from home we have to take the game to sides."
Which is something we've tended not to do in the past, he continued,
"We did that, but too many silly mistakes put us under pressure. That's two wins on the bounce, though, and we have to be happy with that."
The Celtic League takes a well earned brake though for the next two week, as the new format Anglo-Welsh cup begins its long and hopefully successful era.
The Blues take on Saracens at home, who have already said they WILL be taking the cup seriously as a place in the Heineken Cup is at stake.