Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young was delighted with the performance of his young Blues in the 23-23 draw with Exeter.
Chiefs boss not happy after seeing his team throw away lead
Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young was delighted with the performance of his young Blues after they battled back to earn a 23-23 draw with Exeter.
The home side looked set to be beaten in the LV=Cup clash at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night when they trailed 23-12 at the break.
But despite having to include a host of academy products in their matchday 23, the Blues produced a superb second-half display to grab a share of the spoils.
In the end they needed a last-gasp penalty from 18-year-old replacement Joseph Griffin to draw them level right at the death.
Pride
"We played against a strong side who are doing well in the Premiership. I have watched some of their games and they were only two or three players shy of their best side," Young said.
"In the first half our kicking put us under pressure, our chase as not good enough and allowed them opportunities.
"In the second half we carried a bit more and we thought we could get on the outside of them if kept our depth and it was all us in that second half. I am really pleased when you look at the personnel we had out.
"We had 23 players we did not consider or could not consider for this game and I am really proud of the boys."
Young, who sent on 17-year-old lock Macauley Cook, making the teenager the
youngest player to represent the region, admits the competition gives him the perfect chance to blood some of Cardiff's promising youngsters.
"We want to win every game," he continued. "But it was just as important tonight to have a look at those boys.
"Most of those guys are on a two-year development plan and it was important they get that experience and confidence.
"We never rejoice at losing or a draw, but I was pleased with the effort. We like this competition, it's a great tournament, there are plenty of games and this is a like a development tour for us.
"It's all smiles in the changing room and to put the blue jersey on for the first or second time will give them experience and it means they are working hard with a smile on their face."
Disappointed
Exeter coach Rob Baxter was not so impressed with his team after seeing them surrender such a commanding position.
"I am really disappointed that we let that get away," he said. "We had enough chances to win that game and I am disappointed we did not take them.
"In the first half we were not flat out but we controlled the game without really showing any dynamism.
"But you cannot expect games to be given to you. You have to grab them with both hands and we didn't do that in the second half.
"We were a little indecisive, when we turned over some ball and had the whole field to aim for to kick the ball, we were only chipping the ball 30 metres, giving them an easy catch and having it come back at us."
