Cardiff Blues 18 Newport Gwent Dragons 8

By Paul
September 15 2004

Chris Anderson endured a baptism of fire as Dragons' coach in a physical derby match with Cardiff Blues.

Former Australian rugby league coach Anderson will be under no illusions to the challenge that lies ahead in re-producing his success in the union code.
The Dragons' opening score was very much an exception on a day dominated by opposing packs and big hits'.

Ceri Sweeney produced a trademark miss pass to break the Blues defence and sent Hal Luscombe through who in turn sent Gareth Wyatt over in the corner.
Solid Blues defending maintained the five point deficit against a Dragons' side clearly short on creativity. Tristan Davies in particular made some thumping tackles.

Lee Thomas making his home debut, showed nerve in opening his account with a long distance penalty attempt that clipped the upright before edging over.
Another Pontypridd product Gethin Jenkins had a hand in both crucial scores, the first shortly before the interval.

Wales prop Jenkins charged down Sweeney twice in claiming a deserved man of the match accolade.

The first saw Richard Smith appearing on the Arms Park ground for the first time since being stretchered off thirteen months earlier with a career threatening neck injury, pounced on the loose ball to score.

Thomas and Sweeney traded penalties either side of the interval, although it was notable how much more control the younger of the two showed, with the former 20 year old Cardiff Youth player dominating with several long range touch finders.

Jenkins' second charge down more or less confirmed victory for his side, with several Dragons' defenders being left red faced as the ball bobbled around until Martyn Williams' just managed to collect and score.