Blues boss praises Bath

Young admits Cardiff were fortunate against 'excellent' Bath

By Simon Dilger Last updated: 1st November 2008

Young: 'Bath outstanding'

We rode our luck on a couple of occasions, but Bath were excellent. They're probably the best team we've played.

Dai Young
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Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young has admitted that luck played a significant part in his side reaching the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals in the wake of their victory over Bath on Friday.

Three penalties and a conversion from the boot of Ben Blair proved crucial to the Blues as they were forced to dig deep for their 24-18 win at the Arms Park.

"I'm not going to pretend we were the better side tonight because I thought Bath were outstanding," said Young.

"What won the day for us was courage and determination to get over that line.

"We rode our luck on a couple of occasions, but Bath were excellent. They're probably the best team we've played.

"The last five minutes of the first half were huge for us, when they were camped on our line, but somehow we held out.

"The important thing is for us to keep our feet on the ground.

"But we have to look at the facts - and the facts are that to get through this group we've beaten the first, second and third in the Guinness Premiership."

Soft try

Bath coach Steve Meehan was naturally frustrated at his side's defeat but drew encouragement from the performances of the returning Danny Grewcock and Andy Beattie.

"I was disappointed with our first-half display, but I thought we improved after the break," he said.

"We gifted Cardiff a soft try early on and made it difficult for ourselves.

"Some of our guys gave a good account of themselves. Danny Grewcock and Andy Beattie did well in their first games back after injury."