Dempsey in control to lead Glasgow fightback

SCOTLAND Six Nations star Jack Dempsey delivered a player of the match display as high-flying Glasgow turned around a 13-0 half-time deficit at a wet and windy Scotstoun.

With the horrendous conditions in their favour in the opening 40 minutes, Cardiff built a handy buffer through a try from centre Ben Thomas and the boot of fly-half Tinus de Beer.

But that lead was wiped out within 11 minutes of the restart as forwards Max Williamson and Lucio Sordoni went over for the hosts who were to dominate the second period.

Hard carrying No.8 Demspey said: “This is my third season at Glasgow and that first half was probably the hardest conditions to play in, especially with the wind going in your face, but we stuck it out.

“That’s kind of been the story for us this year, we have found a way.”

It’s a ninth win from 12 URC matches for Glasgow, who look well placed to secure a home tie in the play-offs, while that’s now nine bonus points for Cardiff, an indication of just how many close contests they have been involved in.

With Wales back row Mackenzie Martin carrying strongly at No.8, Cardiff had the upper hand in the first half and their mounting pressure told with Thomas’ try on 31 minutes. Flanker Thomas Young made the key break in midfield, with scrum-half Ellis Bevan providing the juggling support and De Beer popping out the scoring pass.

With a 13 point lead at the interval, Cardiff would have been contemplating

a first win in Glasgow since 2013, but the home side came flying out of the traps.

First lock Williamson stormed over, showing good feet on his way, following a break down the left from Scotland wing Kyle Steyn. Then tighthead Sordoni burrowed beneath a pile of bodies to score after a series of forward carries, with Duncan Weir converting both tries and adding a penalty 13 minutes from time to seal the win.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt said: “It’s almost a bitter sweet one because we had chances to win it. We got pushed into touch twice five metres from their line and were held up twice over the line. But we are the first team in the league this season to get a point at Glasgow away. It’s one of the toughest places in the league, so to get something is all credit to the players.”