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Blues 30 Ulster 17

Blues 30 Ulster 17
By Andrew Collins April 20 2008
Cardiff Blues beat Ulster in style in the first half, securing 3 tries on their way to what everyone assumed would be a 5-pointer at the Arms Park, however an awful second half performance allowed the Irish back into the game, and failed to get the all important 4th try.

In a fantastic opening 40 minutes, the Blues dominated, scoring 3 well worked tries from Martyn Williams, Alfie and Jamie Roberts. With Nick Robinson at his best, the Blues flowed and created numerous opportunities and began their impressive first half points haul.

Following a successful Blair penalty, it was Robinson's break that led to the first try, the fly half finding space off first phase line out ball. He found Maama Molitika who made the hard yards before throwing a stunning offload to Martyn Williams, who flopped over unopposed. Blair got the conversion.

The back three were having a fantastic match, with Blair and James in particular looking highly dangerous in possession.

And James was sole provider for Alfie's try. A set move saw the massive winger move into the 10 position, he has the pace and pure strength to break the first line of defence and ran from half way to the 5 metre line before offloading unselfishly to Alfie, who like Williams before him, had the simple task of crossing and placing the ball down. Blair converted again.

Jamie Roberts was the benefactor for the Blues final try of the evening on 39 minutes. After collecting line out ball deep in the 22, the forwards did their best to burrow through, before a series of outstanding offloads along the line saw Roberts, like both before him, able to touch down with all the time he wanted to stroll under the posts. Blair converted once more.

In a boring second half, affected by injuries to Ben Blair, Marc Stcherbina as well as numerous stoppages, Ulster drove over from close range, then later scored a break away try after a Nick Robinson mistake, Jason Spice not able to keep up after the hack on from Andrew Trimble.

Cardiff got on the board just once in the second half, as Dai Flanagan slotted a penalty after both Ulster tries, wary of a come back. But in truth, Cardiff had far too many opportunities without getting the 4th try. The line out and scrum went badly wrong in the important areas, while Jason Spice had a terrible performance after coming on to replace Ritchie Rees.

Deiniol Jones was awarded man of the match for his hard work in al areas of the pitch, but in truth, there were few contenders for the accolade.

Cardiff Blues (27) 30
Tries: M Williams, G Thomas, J Roberts
Cons: Blair 3
Pens: Blair 2, Flanagan

Blair, J Roberts, Shanklin, G Thomas, James, N Robinson, Rees, Jenkins, G Williams, Filise, D Jones, Tito, Molitika, M Williams, Lewis.

Stcherbina for Blair (50), Flanagan for N Robinson (67), Spice for Rees (60), R Thomas for G. Williams (58), G Powell for Filise (60), Morgan for D Jones (67), White for M Williams (67).

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Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: 3 FEATHERS (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:14:38:07

Tom james is going to be a superstar.So strong in contact,with the right coaching he will be a high class winger.He nees to stop throwing the 50 50 passes when its not on and brush up on his kicking.I enjoy watching him,remarkable talent.

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:15:11:15

He's a freak alright and the type of player that'll put bums on seats (unlike sweeney etc......) Still raw but must be coached properly.

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: 3 FEATHERS (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:15:25:15

Yeah watched abit of the dragons against connacht,and Sweeney In my opinion was awful.The blues should be signing players of a better calibre than ceri sweeney.Where do the dragons go from here?

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:15:32:03

I'm afraid the Dragons will struggle as usual next season unless somebody puts money into the club. Money talks.

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:17:34:51

James is insanely good, such talent he's going to be a Wales star for the next decade. In fairness, i think he's learning from Alfie.

The only thing that worries me, is whether we will eb able to hang onto him!

Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
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Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:20:18:06:30

Lets not forget Jamie Roberts either. He and Tom James have by far been the best 2 backs we have seen in the blues team this season. (Sm152)

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: jenksta (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:21:22:34:12

How good was Mamma again. Hes one of the top 3 for player of the season and in my mind shades it, because as good as Tito has been, he has gone missing very occasionally. Quins away as one example.

Re: Blues 30 Ulster 17
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 2008:04:25:14:19:09

I've voted Maama my player of the season on CardiffBlues.com. I think teh guy has been as influencial as Xav was in his 1st year, and has taken a huge amount of pressure of the X-man this season, allowing him to return to his very best.

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