Tigers Claim Friendly Win

By Andrew Collins
August 23 2009

Leicester Tigers spoiled the Blues opening day celebrations as the English Champions claim a 14-5 victory at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The home side were lacking a large number of key players, including the 6 Lions call ups, Halfpenny, Powell, Martyn Williams, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts and Gethin Jenkins, while Sam Norton-Knight, Tom James, Dafydd Hewitt, Ben Blair and Casey Laulala were also unavailable for the pre-season fixture.

With that large list missing, the Tigers were always going to present a formidable challenge, but credit to those who took part, they were certainly competitive right until the final whistle.

In truth, it was a poor match which had pre-season written all over it, but Dai Young will have been encouraged by his sides attitude, particularly in defence. There were a number of occasions when the Tigers looks certain to score, only be stopped by big, last ditch tackles.

Going forward, new centre Gavin Evans was a particular highlight. The former Scarlet man showed nice footwork and was always looking to be involved. Elsewhere Sam Warburton had a fine game, the youngster is looking more than ready to step into the huge shoes left by Martyn Williams. A mention is also worth giving for both Ceri Sweeney, who made a good impression in the first half, and new Acadamy signing, Andries Pretorius who looked a handful in the loose.

The Blues only points came in the 38^th minute when Ceri Sweeney crossed in the far left corner. That had given the home side a 5-3 half time lead following Jeremy Staunton's early penalty attempt.

But despite the best efforts, the second half belonged to Leicester, who went on to win 14-5.

Cardiff Blues Squad

Backs: Chris Czekaj, Richard Mustoe, Dafydd James, Gavin Evans, Gareth Thomas, Ceri Sweeney, Dai Flanagan, Gareth Cooper, Richie Rees.

Forwards: Xavier Rush, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Sam Warburton, Maama Molitika, Andries Pretorius, Bradley Davies, Scott Morgan, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito, T Rhys Thomas, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Darren Morris, Sam Hobbs, Taufa'ao Filise.