By Euro Spy
September 3 2002

With the start of the 2002/2003 Heineken European Cup just six away our intrepid traveller EuroSpy looks at the form of our Group 6 opponents Biarritz, Cardiff and Ulster in their French and Celtic League games. ULSTER

An uninspiring game at Eugene Cross Park saw the 1999 Euro winners, including ex-Saint Jonny Bell, fail to find any form of note but they still easily overcame a dour Ebbw Vale side to win 19-0 in this Pool A Celtic League clash.

The boot of veteran Irish flyhalf David Humpreys caused the most damage with a fourteen point haul including the conversion of Paddy Wallaces late try which Humphreys also had a hand in setting up.

Off the pitch things did not look too bright either with just 1500 Ulstermen going through the gates for this game.

BIARRITZ

The French Champions started their French league campaign with a trip to the foot of the Alps at scenic Grenoble. Luck was not on the Basque teams side and they went down 22-14 at the side newly promoted to Frances 'Top 16' for the shock result in the opening weekend.

Despite an early try by Philippe Bernat-Salles (or Bernat-Rooms as the online translator said) the Grenoblois stormed into a 17-7 lead at the interval and a fightback in the second half, which they won 7-5, was not enough to see the Biarrots home with a victory.

CARDIFF

In Pool B of the Celtic League Cardiff got off to an inauspicious start going down 35-44 at home to Scottish side Glasgow at the Arms Park.

Despite scoring four tries, including one from ex-Saint Matt Allen, the Welsh side failed to control a rampant Glasgow side in the second half after the teams went in 20-20 at the break.

A late try by Martyn Williams to secure the bonus point was the only bright point for the Blue and Blacks as their defence was found wanting when it mattered.