Blues off to perfect start

BOURGOIN 5, CARDFF BLUES 13

Cardiff Blues got off to the perfect start in the Heineken Cup with a vital 13-5 win over Bourgoin at Stade Pierre Rajon.

Martyn Williams crossed for the all important try which was converted by Ben Blair who had earlier kicked two penalties in a low-scoring but tense game.

Bourgoin crossed three minutes from time through flanker Brice Monzeglio but that was not enough to deny Cardiff their first win in France and an important four points.

The game hung in the balance as Cardiff led just 6-0 until the 67th minute.

Bourgoin started the brighter with captain Julien Bonnaire bursting through Cardiff’s ranks only for handling errors to see the move break down that was to set the tone for an error-ridden the first half.

All Black Blair gave Cardiff Blues a surprise lead after eight minutes with a penalty after Bourgoin infringed at a ruck.

That was to prove the only score until the fifth minute of injury time as both sides missed countless opportunities to score.

Nick Robinson should have done better after his break through the Bourgoin defence but his pass ended in the hands of a defender and Chris Czekaj lost his grip on the ball as he dived over the line.

Bourgoin could have led at half-time but outside-half Benjamin Boyet missed three attempts at goal in the first half and when Blair knocked over his second penalty in injury-time, the Blues were 6-0 to the good.

The second half was a similarly tight and closely-fought encounter with neither side producing anything to split the midfield deadlock until Williams’ attack late on.

The Wales flanker kicked ahead for Marc Stcherbine and Mosese Luveitasau to chase. Stcherbina missed the ball, stubbing his foot in the ground but the error proved effective nonetheless as the Cardiff centre brilliantly picked up and passed to Williams who raced through and behind the posts to settle the game.

Blair converted before being replaced by Nick Macleod and Cardiff were forced to spend the closing stages on their goal line as Bourgoin pressed for their first score. Finally it came as Monzeglio crashed over three minutes from time only for replacement Sebastien Laloo to miss the conversion and leave Cardiff out of reach.

The French side still ad chances to score late on but a combination of Cardiff’s defence and their own mistakes cost them and the Blues hung on for an important win.