BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Celtic | Cardiff advance to quarter-finals

Celtic League - Pool B
Cardiff 37-12 Bridgend

Cardiff clinched their place in the Celtic League quarter-finals with one Pool B match still to play by running in five tries against Bridgend at the Arms Park on Saturday.

The bonus point earned on top of the four for the win ensured that defending champions Leinster cannot now catch Cardiff and must relinquish their crown.

Scoring details:

Cardiff (12) 37:
Tries: Morgan, Tait, M Williams, Allen 2.
Cons: N Robinson 3.
Pen: N Robinson.
DG: N Robinson.

Bridgend (12) 12:
Pens: Warlow 4.

Att: 7,500

Bridgend dominated the first half but were never able to breach the tigerish home defence.

The Ravens, with a strong wind at their backs, piled on the pressure from the start.

But they found themselves seven points down when alert Cardiff skipper Martyn Williams intercepted a loose pass by flanker Cory Harris and raced under the posts for Nicky Robinson to convert.

Craig Warlow put over two penalties to cut the gap, before Cardiff grabbed another breakaway try.

Full-back Rhys Williams darted through an opening close to the breakdown, fed Robinson, who in turn ensured wing Craig Morgan had a clear 40-yard run to claim his sixth try in as many matches.

Bridgend were still on top up front and their constant presence in the Cardiff half was rewarded by two more Warlow penalties to level the scores at half time.

But Cardiff began to control matters in the second period with fly-half Robinson slotting over a 40-yard drop goal and a penalty.

Cardiff lock Heino Senekal is upended at a lineout

But the Blue and Blacks side then lost dynamic Canada number eight Dan Baugh to the sin bin for the second game running.

But, as at Newport last weekend, it was Cardiff who claimed a try while he was away, the lively Robinson chasing his own kick ahead to send flying lock John Tait in at the corner.

Replacement centre Matt Allen wrapped things up with two late touchdowns.

Cardiff now turn their attentions to the Heineken Cup next week when they host Biarritz, followed by a trip to face Ulster.

Then comes their final Celtic League pool match away to Welsh rivals Pontypridd, also through to the quarter-finals, with home advantage in the next stage at stake.

Cardiff: Rhys Williams; Anthony Sullivan, Nick Walne, Pieter Muller, Craig Morgan; Nick Robinson, Ryan Powell; Tim Payne, Andrew Lewis, Kenneth Fourie, Heino Senekal, John Tait, Rob Appleyard, Martyn Williams (capt), Dan Baugh.
Reps: Gary Powell, Greg Woods, Adam Jones, Dan McShane, Richard Smith, Iestyn Harris, Matt Allen.

Bridgend: Matt James; Richard Mustoe, Dafydd James, Gareth Thomas (capt), Craig Warlow; Simon Mannix, Sililo Martens; Phil Booth, Andrew Joy, Jon Thiel, Deiniol Jones, Andy Moore, Nathan Budgett, Cory Harris, Richard Bryan.
Reps: Anthony Carter, Huw Harries, Chris Horsman, Christian Loader, Ben Phillips, Maama Molitika, Mike Powell.

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).


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