By Andrew Collins
April 16 2006

A Jamie Robinson brace helped the Blues on their way to a 4th successive victory, with Borders the lastest casualtys of the Cardiff comeback.

The game started well for the top Welsh region, with Robinson kicking two penaltys in the early exchanges, but the games breakthrough try didn't come until just past the half hour. A break by Mike Phillips started the move, but support and a neat pass from Kort Schubert gave Jamie Robinson the time and space to stroll over from inside the 22. Brother Nicky Converted, but it wasn't long before the away side struck back.

A swift attack from the Borders minutes later caught the Blues defence napping. Quick passing from right to left gave Reivers numbers out wide, and when Sidoli and Rhys Williams committed without getting the tackle the score was on. A mad dash acros feild by Chris Czekaj almost prevented the try, but in the end, his efforts were to no avail, and he couldn't stop the inevitable as MacDougle crossed the white line.

Half Time

Cardiff Blues 13 Border Reivers 5

A dissapointing half time score would've rallied Dai Young in the dressing room, and whatever he said, did just the trick as Cardiff came firing in the second period.

Within a minute of the break, the Blues increased their lead once again through Jamie Robinson. A planned set move from the scrum, broke the Borders defence and allowed Robinson into a gap that he was sure to utilise. Nicky converted once more.

The 3rd try was all about the Blues midfeild again, with Marc Strchbina showing a range of skills, pace and brute strength to dummy, break the tackle and cross underneath the sticks after a great pass from Nicky Robinson, who of course converted. Stitch has been a great asset this season, having arrived as cover for Shanklin and Robinson, but having deputised all season with Shanks' void, he had filled in excellantly, and has proved a great signing. He's fast becomming a fan favourite at the Arms Park, and it will please those to know he will be around next season.

At 27-8, Young started to ring teh changes and it clearly worked as 3 of them grabbed trys in the final 20 minutes.

As the Cardiff Blues went in search of that all illusive 4th try and extra bonus point. And it was provided by one of the new-comers to the game, Rhys Thomas. The Blues had shown an array of talent in variety all game, and when Thomas-Rhys Thomas crossed from a catch-and-drive line-out it was clear that the Blues are in fine form.

Then, replacement fly half Nick Macleod capitalised on a lose pass to get the Blues 5th try. The Borders were 6's and 7's in attack, and when one pass found the floor in front of Macleod, a great pick up just outside his 22 started a near full length run to score near to the upright. It was a great try by the young no.10, who's looking to try and secure a contract with Cardiff next season. He's been heavily linked with an exit, but a few good performances in the last 4 games of the season could still save him. And he would've helped himself no end by stricking a successful conversion.

Another posative for the region was Jonah Lomu's form during the game. He'd created 3 good breaks for the region in the first half, and was mucking in all over the pitch in the second. Though he didn't get himself on the scoresheet, he did manage to get another substitute on it.

Mark Lewis was in support as Lomu made a break up teh left, but during a Borders tackle, Lomu suffered a very nast ankle injury, that left the big man close to tears. The video replay shows his left ankle bend and almost snap as he twists trying to get the pass away. He did manage to walk off the pitch, so there may still be chance to catch Jonah Lomu playing for the Blues one more time before he heads back home to New Zealand. (Click on the images to enlarge them).

In injuring himself, he did get a great offload away to Lewis, who stayed in goal by the narrowest of margins scoring the Blues 6th and final try.

Final Score

Cardiff Blues 46 Border Reivers 11

Dai Young said after the match,

"Obviously we're happy with the result but the performance was a bit messy on occasions. Over the last month to six weeks we've really pulled together and proven a lot of people wrong. But that's not out motivation - we just want to finish the season strongly."

And with a crunch match fast approaching against the Dragons next week, Young sarcastically added,

"It's big game for us on Wednesday and I'm sure we'll get a warm welcome down at Rodney Parade."

theArmsPark.co.uk man of the Match - Jamie Robinson
Looked on fine form as he secured 10 of the 46 points in the match. he took both his trys well, albeit fairly easy oppertuntinies for a player of his calibre, and looked dangerous in attack all match. It's taken a while, but he's showing signs of being back to his best. As ever his work load was magnificent, and his tackle count must've been massive. With the next Welsh coach making a clean start, Jamie has got to be pushing for a place with the summer touring squad, he deserves his chance on the international scene, and if he can begin producing this kind of performancce on a regular basis, there's every cahnce he will.

Team:
Rhys Williams (capt); Chris Czekaj, Jamie Robinson, Marc Stcherbina, Jonah Lomu; Nick Robinson, Mike Phillips; John Yapp, Duane Goodfield, Gethin Jenkins, Deiniol Jones, Rob Sidoli, Kort Schubert, Martyn Williams, Andy Powell.

Rep's used: Craig Morgan, Nick Macleod, Ryan Powell, Scott Roberts, T. Rhys Thomas, Mark Lewis, Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Other Results:
Ospreys got 4 points for a free weekend
Connact 15 N-G Dragons 10
Leinster 30 Llanelli Scarlets 22
Glasgow 18 Ulster 27
Munster 36 Edinburgh 15