Connacht lose by two at Cardiff

Cardiff Blues 15 Connacht 13

Cardiff Blues ground out their fourth Magners League victory of the season against Connacht in a dour encounter at the Arms Park.

The kicking accuracy of New Zealand international fullback Ben Blair was all important as he landed five out of six penalty attempts to seal the points for the Welsh outfit.

But there was little to write home about in match that was riddled with sloppy unforced errors and a lack of creativity from both sides.

Connacht led 13-9 at the interval after scoring what was to be the game’s only try after just two minutes.

Right-wing Matt Mostyn claimed the score and the fly-half Paul Warwick converted.

Two Warwick penalties before the interval completed the Irish tally but Blair’s boot meant the Blues were always in touch.

After the break the Blues did just enough and the penalties from Blair in the 57th and 69th minute sent them up to fifth in the table.

It was harsh on Connacht who were in charge for large spells of the match with fly-half Warwick in particular keeping them on the front-foot with some intelligent kicking.

But they just did not have the craft to convert possession into points and were left frustrated by the final whistle.