James stars in Blues win

Tom James scored four tries in Cardiff's win

Tom James scored four tries to help Cardiff Blues to a 45-40 victory over Harlequins in their LV= Cup clash on Sunday.

The win saw the Blues pick up their first points in this season's competition in what was an entertaining dead rubber at Cardiff City Stadium.

Despite the sides having little to play for, James, who has been seemingly ignored in the search for a successor to retired Wales legend Shane Williams, was clearly keen to impress, seeking out opportunities all over the pitch.

But with a youthful Harlequins side finishing strongly, it was the faultless kicking of returning New Zealander Ben Blair which proved the difference as each side crossed for six tries.

With possible qualification long gone and most fans concentrating on Ireland and Wales' RBS Six Nations clash, a meagre crowd of 2,000 turned up for the lunchtime fixture.

Carelessness

At first it seemed that the Blues too would rather have been elsewhere and after steady Quins pressure, the ball popped out of a maul to flanker Chris York, who strolled in unopposed for a try.

Fly-half Rory Clegg converted and the Welsh region stirred themselves enough to earn a Blair penalty and pull three back.

But carelessness on the left allowed Quins wing Seb Stegmann to steal a loose ball and trot over for the Londoners' second try, which was again converted by Clegg.

The home side finally found some rhythm and James ran onto a short pass from Ceri Sweeney to burst through to the posts.

The winger then created an opening from which Luke Hamilton crossed, although the number eight hurt himself in the process.

James then appeared on the right to grab an inside pass and storm away to the corner in the final action of the half.

Impressive

Blair, in his first home outing after 16 months sidelined with a career-threatening knee injury, converted all three scores.

James completed his hat-trick early in the second half after being sent through a gap by the soft hands of Gavin Henson, a late inclusion at centre following his release by Wales. Blair added the extras.

Harlequins were far from finished though, hitting back with two tries in quick succession through Sam Smith and Ross Chisholm.

Left wing Smith first darted over from close range before impressive full-back Chisholm raced 60 yards to touch down in the left-hand corner., Clegg kicked both conversions despite the difficult angles.

The Blues regained control with the forwards driving over and young lock Macaulay Cook claiming the try before James finished off a scything break by Blair.

Injuries reduced Cardiff to 14 men in the closing minutes, which allowed Stegmann and Chisholm to cross for late scores but the home team held on.