By Andrew Collins
September 25 2006

Cardiff got back to winning ways on Friday, as a brilliant solo performance from Ben Blair ignited the Blues to a 27-9 victory.

Following 2 away defeats at the Ospreys and Leinster, a 3-try to nil win over Glasgow was a welcome boost, but he Blues could yet come to rue missing out on a valuable bonus point.

 

Tries came in the shape of Blair, Luviatasau and Tom Shanklin while Chris Czekaj came close to scoring right at the death.

 

But there was no taking away that tonight was most definitely about Blair. The kiwi full back making his home debut looked near to the complete package, slotting over 12 points, scoring a well taken try and looking safe in defence. His kicking game, out of hand and at goal, is going to add a tremendous amount to Dai Young’s plans. It was comforting to know that with Blair at the back we had a player who could catch a ball, and kick back into the opponents 22, without fail.

 

However not even Blair’s polished performance could get the Blues the illusive 4^th try.

 

The game itself was poor with Cardiff just as much to blame for poor handling, as their Scottish opponents. Mike Phillips had a quiet game, while Nick Robinson wasn’t at his creative best either. Youngster Tom Reiley popped up in midfield well, but overall it was a lacklustre performance that made for a dull encounter.

 

The forwards played their part well, with Scott Morgan continuing his excellent form. The former Leeds flanker has been fantastic this year, and must surely be in contention for Gareth Jenkins’ Autumn internationals squad.

 

Blair scored all the Blues 13 first half points, slotting over 2 penalties, followed by a well taken try after Tom Reiley popped a beautiful pass to set him free to score between the posts. He converted for 2 extra points without reply.

 

Dan Parks kicked two penalties as indiscipline kicked in, before the half time whistle was blown.

 

The dangerous in attack, but shaky in defence, Luviatasau had the pace to cross in the second half, then Shanklin crashed over from short range for the final score of the match.

 

Full Time

 

Cardiff Blues 27 (13) Glasgow Warriors 9 (6)

 

theArmsPark.co.uk’s Man of the Match – Ben Blair

Well who else? But seriously Blair was a real beacon of hope that we now have a real sturdy defender at full back. He nailed his tackles, caught the opposition kicks and was able to reply and some with a kick of his own, plus looked very able in attack. I am a Rhys Williams fan, and feel that when the guy is on his game he is a very talented player, but for too long now he’s been off the boil. Still, there is certainly a place for Williams on the wing, IF he can regain some of the form that won him nearly 50 Welsh caps.

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London Wasps travel to the Arms Park next week, and many fans will fear a drubbing from the English "big-boys". Then again, having lost to a Bristol side that contains a handfull of former Cardiff boys today, Dai Young may well be fancying his chances all of a sudden...

 

(Former players included; Craig Morgan, Nathan Budgett and try-scorer Darren Crompton. Plus Welsh connections in Gareth Llewellyn and Jason Strange.)