Leeds Tykes kicked off the first Heineken Cup match of the season at Cardiff Arms Park but it was the Cardiff Blues who looked to have the upper hand in the opening minutes.
Following an an excellent break by Marc Stcherbina who was making his home debut, the Blues should have made more of an early overlap. It took a Nicky Robinson penalty soon after to get them on the scoreboard; however Cardiff Blues flattered to deceive. Justin Marshall the Leeds Tykes captain broke through some weak tackling by the Blues and pass on to Andre Snyman to score the first try of the game, converted by Gordon Ross. Marshall soon added to the score with a neatly taken drop goal following a period of pressure by the visitors. Nicky Robinson soon kicked another penalty for the home side but Ross kicked one for the Tykes to bring the score to 6-13 at the break.
Half time Cardiff Blues 6 Leeds Tykes 13
The Cardiff Blues returned to the pitch knowing they would have to play considerably better in the second half if they were to get anything from the game. Whatever was said at half time in the home changing room certainly fired up the team, and the Blues soon moved up to the Tykes 22. With the ball going wide to Czekaj on the wing and then spreading back infield the Blues looked as though they would break the Leeds defence but once again they couldnt take advantage of the overlap they had created. However, the Leeds Tykes had drifted offside and Nicky Robinson kicked the ball between the posts to bring the score to 9-13.
The score seemed to motivate the Cardiff side and it wasnt long before they were once again the Tykes 22, this time they made the most of it with the ball going wide from Mike Phillips who passed on to Martyn Williams to put fellow flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor in for a try in the corner. Robinson converted from the touchline. The Blues were soon on the scoreboard again when quick thinking by Craig Quinnell and Gareth Williams in the line out saw the hooker receive the ball from the lock just outside the Leeds 22. Williams had enough pace to sprint to the line and Robinson once again converted from the touchline.
The Cardiff Blues now looked to be in the driving seat and an excellent kick by Czekaj drove the Tykes back in to their half as they attempted to clear the ball Craig Morgan charged it down and passed to Marc Stcherbina who fed John Yapp to crash over the line for a try. Nicky Robinson who was having an excellent game kicking at the posts once again converted. Robinson also placed and excellent kick from hand as the Blues were awarded a penalty in their own half. The resulting lineout close to the Tykes try line saw excellent play by the forwards and hooker Gareth Williams being driven over for his second try that Robinson converted.
The Leeds Tykes fought back but excellent defence including Martyn Williams preventing a try after a Leeds player had crossed the line, and Andy Powell racing back 50 yards to kick the ball in to touch prevented the Tykes adding to their first half score. It was fitting that Nicky Robinson had the last word with a penalty to bring the final score to Cardiff Blues 40 Leeds Tykes 13. Marc Stcherbina was awarded the Heineken man of the match following and excellent performace by the Australian.