Magic touch from Morgan sparks Blues fight-back

CARDIFF Blues solidified their position in the PRO14 play-off places with a hard-fought bonus point win over the Kings.

Tries from Owen Lane, Nick Williams, Olly Robinson and Jason Harries plus six points from the boot of Jarrod Evans got them over the line.

A stubborn Kings outfit scored three tries through Dries van Schalkwyk, Michael Willemse and Masixole Banda, while Bader-Werner Pretorius and Banda kicked four points between them.

Blues made the perfect start when Pretorius’ kick was charged down before rebounding into Lane’s hands allowing the wing to run in unopposed from 40 metres out.

But the Kings proceeded to lay siege to the Blues try line in the closing 10 minutes of the first-half with a series of driving lineouts putting the hosts under severe pressure.

With their maul inching towards the line Blues captain Nick Williams entered from the side which earned the big No.8 a yellow card.

Kings continued to apply pressure with lock van Schalkwyk eventually powering his way over the line from short range. Pretorius was successful with the conversion leaving the scores tied 7-7 at the interval.

Kings began the second half in the same manner they had finished the first with Blues struggling to cope with their mauling game. After turning down two kickable penalties to go for the corner Kings were rewarded with Willemse touching down.

But the Blues levelled the scores when Halaholo put them on the front foot with a strong surge before Williams made amends for his yellow by smashing his way over the line.

A moment of magic from Blues replacement Matthew Morgan sparked them into life with the diminutive full-back stepping his way past four defenders before being brought down just short.

But the ball was quickly recycled for Robinson to cross for their third try which also put the Blues back into the lead.

Kruger was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle on Corey Domachowski and the Blues took full advantage when Evans put Harries over at the corner for his third try in two games.

Kings secured a deserved losing bonus point when Banda crossed from short range.