Cardiff win clash with neighbours

Cardiff Blues 34 Bristol 18

Bristol’s hopes of a priceless Heineken Cup away win were dashed by an outstanding Cardiff fightback as the Blues prevailed at the Arms Park today.

Cardiff wiped out a 13-3 deficit, racing 34-13 ahead through tries by centre Jamie Robinson, flanker Maama Molitika and his back-row colleague Martyn Williams – who touched down twice.

Full-back Ben Blair chipped in with 14 points from the boot, and Bristol could only reflect on why everything unravelled so spectacularly – despite having the last word with wing Tom Arscott’s consolation score.

They occupied the driving seat throughout the first half – using their forwards to impressive effect and establishing a healthy lead courtesy of full-back David Hill’s try, plus two Jason Strange penalties and a conversion.

Cardiff, though, surged to a bonus-point success that sets them up nicely for next Saturday’s Pool Three trip to Harlequins.