Malone put the home team ahead after 5 minutes with a penalty, after Cardiff were penalised for holding on to the ball. The visitors found it difficult to get their hands on to the ball and they struggled when they did, reaching 2 or 3 phases before giving the possesion back to the home team. The form that Cardiff showed against Bristol, when they walked away with a convincing win and a bonus point, wasn't shown. Equally, Quins failed to take advantage of the lask lustre performance.<br /> <br />After 27 minutes Cardiff equalled with a penalty from Ben Blair.
Harlequins' pack kept constant pressure on Cardiff, and a high kick from Gomarsall in the second quarter caused Cardiff problems when the ball bounced well for David Strettle. A try saving tackle was made to deny Strettle's name on the score sheet.
Jim Evans, (who was superb in the lineouts and had already stolen 2 Cardiff throw ins) collected the ball cleanly in the lineout before giving the ball to Heineken's player of the match, Nick Easter, who drove from the back of the maul and over the line to score the first try of the game in the 45th minute. The conversion was kicked by Malone. Half time score 10-3.
The first points of the second half were gained by Cardiff when Ben Blair slotted another penalty after Quins were caught off side in the 47th minute.
Cardiff took the lead for the first time in the game with a try in the 59th minute when Quins were caught off guard from a 22 drop out, and Jason Spice crossed the line. Ben Blair put the extra 2 points on the board.
After 62 minutes, Cardiff were caught offside and Malone equalled the score with a long range penalty, making it 13-13.
In the last seconds of the match a decision by Andy Gomarsall not to pass the ball to Chris Malone who was waiting for the drop goal attempt saw the final whistle blow on a draw.
Full time 13-13
