By Andrew Collins
September 6 2007

The Cardiff Blues just about managed an opening day win against bitter rivals, The Ospreys, in a result that have far greater in the home sides favour.

Dai Young's men were more than worth their win, but almost blew it in the dying minutes, conceding an in-range penalty of the kicking machine, Shaun Connor. However, the pressure got the Ospreys fly half, fluffing his final attempt at goal, after 4 stunning attempts earlier in the match.

But in all truth, it was only the boot of the otherwise faultless Connor that kept the Neath-Swansea side in it, with Cardiff scoring the only try of the match through Rhys Williams.

Cardiff were all over Lyn Jones' men in most departments, especially the line-out, where new arrival Paul Tito dominated in his league debut.

The scrum too was an area where the home side looked very impressive; however they failed to turn their possession into points time and time again, and as the end neared, they showed their inability to grind out a win, by giving away possession, and going for unrealistic drop-goals.

But, today was their lucky day.

Or perhaps there's more than luck to thank for the win, this was the 16^th consecutive league victory at the Arms Park, one that breaks the Magner's League record previously held by Munster.

There's certainly a fortress feeling at home games these days, one that can hopefully continue in the league, and more importantly the Heineken Cup.

After the match, Dai Young said;

"That was justice at the end, we were by far the better team. First and foremost I'm pleased with the win and we controlled it up front, but we need to improve on our performance. I was disappointed with our game management and we were our own worst enemies at times. We were going for kicks and drop goals and seemed to have no idea how to run down the clock."

Cardiff Blues:

Blair, R. Williams, Selley, Hewitt, J. Roberts, N. Robinson, Spice, Yapp, G. Williams, G. Powell, Jones, Tito, Molitika, Sowden-Taylor, Rush.

Sidoli for Tito (76). Not Used: Stcherbina, Macleod, Rees, S. Roberts, Johnson, Lewis.