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WELSH PREMIERSHIP
Cardiff (15) 44
Tries: Van Vuuren, Morgan, Smith (2), J Robinson, R Powell, Tait
Cons: N Robinson (3), Horner
Pens: N Robinson, Horner
Swansea (7) 22
Tries: Pugh (2), Swales
Cons: Swales
Pens: Horner
Att: 4,500
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A much-changed Cardiff were far too strong for Swansea as the hosts coasted
to a comfortable Welsh Premiership win at the Arms Park.
With many of Swansea's top players having either departed due to the club's
cash problems or on the injured list, there were few recognisable names in the
visiting line-up.
Yet Swansea's youngsters - including four debutantes - showed plenty of
enthusiasm early on, but lost a penalty opportunity when the award was reversed
for careless use of the boot.
Cardiff took advantage with some sweeping moves across field before scrum-half
Richard Smith dived over. Fly-half Nicky Robinson converted.
Swansea lost prop Lee May to the sin bin for handling at a ruck and while he
was off the Blue and Blacks created an overlap to send Craig Morgan in
wide-out.
Swansea hit back with an opportunist try from flanker Richie Pugh when he took advantage of some indecision from lock Luke Tait.
With Cardiff making heavy weather of matters, they could add only a Robinson
penalty before half-time. Swansea's James Horner matched it shortly after the restart.
But the young number 10 was totally bemused when Iestyn Harris drifted past
him and sent replacement Jamie Robinson over, while Smith took an inside pass to
claim his second try as Cardiff regained control.
Rookie Swansea full-back Chris Shelmandine then fumbled a Harris kick and opposite
number Donavan van Vuuren swooped for the touch down.
Wales scrum-half Ryan Powell, enjoying himself as a wing replacement, dashed
in at the flag as Cardiff began to run riot and Tait capitalised on an
inch-perfect kick by Harris.
But, as Cardiff relaxed, the effort of Swansea's youngsters was rewarded with
tries for Gareth Swales and the tireless Pugh.
Cardiff: D van Vuuren; D Dewdney, N Walne, I Harris, C Morgan; N Robinson, R Smith; J Yapp, G Woods, T Payne, H Senekal, L Tait, J Brownrigg, Emyr Lewis (capt), R Sowden-Taylor.
Replacements: K Fourie, L Collins, J Tait, J Malpas, R Powell, P Muller, J Robinson.
Swansea: C Shelmandine; R Rees, M Brayley, P Mackey, M Robinson; J Horner, S Cordingley (capt); S Pope, M White, L May, A Farley, J Griffiths, R Francis, K Harrison, R Pugh.
Replacements: G Swales, L Tonkin, D Pittard, T Evans, L Powell, I Evans, A Richards.
Referee: David R Davies (Llanbradach).
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MMIX
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