Rugby: Night to forget for hosts as Cardiff give Glasgow the Blues

MAGNERS League leaders Glasgow Warriors endured a night to forget at Firhill as they were taught a lesson in how to win away from home.

International calls and injuries affected Glasgow coming into the clash with Cardiff Blues, and although the visitors were hit as well, they lined up the more experienced outfit and it showed in their 30-7 win.

Cardiff were clinical and sometimes cynical, from the moment Maama Molitika clipped Ruaridh Jackson late in the opening minutes.

Whether that affected the Glasgow stand-off is debatable, but he missed three kickable penalties.

Ben Blair was the opposite, the Cardiff full-back nailing three penalties out of three in the first half.

James Eddie, Richie Vernon and Richie Gray had lone forays for Glasgow but they could not match the solid play of the Cardiff pack, with Xavier Rush in control in the contact area and Ceri Sweeney pulling the strings at number 10.

Having softened Glasgow up, Cardiff cranked up their game and two minutes into the second half Gareth Cooper sniped through a gap for the first try, converted by Blair.

Laulala had been a threat, and then got his reward with a try when Glasgow were unable to retain their own scrum ball.

Blair again converted and the score which epitomised the difference between the sides arrived on the hour mark. With nothing seemingly on and a raft of defenders in front of him, Cardiff wing Tom James burst through four tackles on his way to the line.

Blair added the extras, as Cardiff pushed for the bonus point.

The final try of the night went to the home side though, Max Evans crossing for Colin Gregor to convert.