Jones happy with Heineken warm-up win

Mar 30 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

THE Ospreys may have surrendered their grip on the Magners League title, but they remain firmly in the hunt for Heineken Cup qualification after victory over Ulster.

Shane Williams crossed for a brace of tries in a comfortable 32-7 victory at the Liberty Stadium.

Nikki Walker and James Hook grabbed the Ospreys’ other tries, with Hook slotting over three conversions and two penalties.

And Ospreys coach Lyn Jones believes the victory will stand his side in good stead ahead of their Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against Saracens, next weekend.

“This was just the sort of game we needed before going into the European Cup game against Saracens,” said Jones. “Ulster were well prepared and they know how to play against us.

“I’m delighted with the result because this was a must-win game as far as the Magners League is concerned.

“I was happy with the blend of the team but it is a difficult challenge trying to get the right mix in the team with some very big games coming up.”

Meanwhile, the Blues got their Magners League campaign back on track with an impressive 20-0 victory over Edinburgh.

Wing Tom James, back from injury, crossed for two tries and fellow winger Jamie Roberts got the Blues’ third try.

This was the perfect warm-up to the Blues’ daunting trip to face Toulouse in next weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-final.

Blues coach David Young was delighted with his side’s performance north of the border.

“It was a very good performance,” said Young.

“Not many teams get a result at Edinburgh, especially since Andy Robinson has taken over.

“I thought it was important because we want to go into next week’s game with a bit of momentum, although we tried not to focus on that.

“We were disappointed with the way we played against the Scarlets last week.

“We have worked hard to be competitive in the Magners League and we want to make sure that in the league our challenge doesn’t just peter out.”