By Lestyn (Update)
December 9 2003

The start of the Heineken cup saw a marked improvement from the Welsh regions, even the Blues fronted up away at Sale.

It all started on Friday with the Scarlets and Warriors just sneaking past their opponents, although the prospect of Northampton, compared to the semi pro's of Calvisano is just a little more daunting. At Stradey park it was far from the classic we were looking forward to, despite the Scarlets domination up front, they could never really kill off a Saints side who largely failed to live up to their Zurich Premiership billing.

Stephen Jones who failed to cope with the new Web Ellis ball on a crisp evening in West Wales, missed what could in the scheme of the group turn out to be a vital penalty kick in injury time, which would have stripped the Saints of their bonus point. Scott Quinnell was the stand out player for the Turks, The Mighty Quinn crashed over for the separating score, although admittedly from the fringes of an offside position.

Considering the Warriors named a side that contained fourteen full internationals in the starting line up alone, trailing at half time to Italian minnows Calvisano isn't exactly acceptable. Having taken a twenty point lead early on, the home side conspired to concede three very soft tries before the interval, thanks to some soft tackle, and the un-organised defence that has dogged them all season long. It took a Ceri Sweeney try four minutes from time to claim all five points, in a match originally thought to be something of a gimme. With a trip to Catalan to face Perpignan next Saturday, it doesn't look to good with the side failing to gel, but perhaps getting away from Mid Glamorgan may do them some good.

It was invite able after the barrage of criticism from David Moffett that the Blues would finally spring into life, and had it not be for the boot of Charlie Hodgson Dai Young's side would have picked up their first win on the road this season. Cardiff did as they set out to do, taking the game to the Sharks up front, with the majority of the pack delivering, including an inspired Craig Quinnell. Had opening try scorer Tom Shanklin not been injured mid way through the first half, it could have been a winning start to the capital regions season. A lack of composure and nerve in the end let four vital points slip away. However they will still have to up that performance by at least a half if their even going to touch Leinster next week.

Despite Percy Montgomery's return from suspension, other than scoring the try that sealed victory in front of a much improved attendance at Rodney Parade, the South African ref basher had little to do, as the Dragons pack played their Irish counterparts off the park. Had it not been for Lee Jarvis's lack of control at ten, the Dragons should have had the game well won before the hour mark. It should be interesting to see if the Ruddock pack can do the business up at Leicester on Sunday, it should be a real test for Peter Sidoli and Jason Forster, who on current form should be strong contenders for Steve Hansen's Six Nations squad.

It really isn't looking good for the Ospreys. It took forty minutes for them to wake up on Sunday afternoon at Headingly, only after Scott Gibbs's arrival did they threaten the home side, and by then it was always a case of catch up, which in their current vein of confidence was always going to be a step too far. Lyn Jones has tinkered with his selection over recent weeks, but with an Edinburgh side fresh from taking Toulouse apart coming down to St.Helens, it will take more than just a few changes to give the Ospreys a chance.

Form XV:

Rhys Williams, Garan Evans, Jamie Robinson, Matthew Watkins, Shane Williams, Ceri Sweeney, Dwayne Peel, Scott Quinnell, Jason Forster, Dan Baugh, Peter Sidoli, Craig Quinnell, Darren Crompton, Robin McBryde, Adam Black

Results;

Friday
Scarlets 14 Northampton 9
Warriors 34 Calvisano 25

Saturday
Sale 26 Blues 24

Sunday
Dragons 24 Ulster 15
Leeds 29 Ospreys 20