By Euro Spy
September 11 2002

In our second glance at the Saints European Cup opposition its narrow one point defeats for both Ulster and Cardiff but a stormer of a win for the boys from Biarritz. ULSTER
The 1999 Euro Cup winners appear to be struggling early on this season in the Celtic League as the Jonny Bell skippered side were edged out 19-18 by Edinburgh this weekend at home at Ravenhill.

Todd Blackadder and former Sarrie Scott Murray destroyed the Ulster lineout from the off and only the boot of Paddy Wallace, who kicked six out of six penalties, kept the Ulstermen in touch.

It was not however enough as the Scots edged home with Brendan Laney scoring all the districts points including the only try of the game.

One bright note for Ulster was that the crowds seem to have returned. There were 6,000 more spectators at Ravenhill than watched the game against Ebbw Vale.

Ulster face a big test this week as they face Swansea just beaten last week by Allan Bateman and Andy Newmans Neath.

CARDIFF
In Pool B of the Celtic League Cardiff still look for their first win. After being blown away by a Glasgow second half blitz at home last week. They travelled to Irish province Connacht and lost by the odd point in forty five 23-22 in Galwey on Friday night.

Despite winning the try count 3-2 the boot of Eric Elwood always kept the Irish side in front but a last minute kick by Jamie Robinson could have edged it for the Welshman but his long range effort fell short.

Cardiff who included ex Saint MattAllen scored all their points in the second half but it was too little much too late.

This weekend Cardiff travel to face several ex Saints at the Scottish Bordersin the 'gluepot' of Gala.

BIARRITZ
The Biarrots were the only opposition in Saints group to come away with a win last weekend, and what a win it was.

In the game of the second round in France BOPB, who lost at unfancied Grenoble last week, overcame a very strong Montferrand side 20-16 at the Stade Marcel Michelin, their first win there in over 50 years.

In an ill tempered game littered in yellow cards the Basque side finally overcame an Ollie Brouzet led storm to hit back in the last half hour with tries from Nicholas Brusque and Guillaume Bousses.

Instrumental in the win was ex Gloucester player Dimitri Yachvili.

This week Biarritz are at home to Saints pre season opponents Begles-Bordeaux for a real 'hats on wheels' clash!

And don't forget to enter our European Cup competition, links at right or bottom of page.