Cardiff Blues sit atop the Magners League after an unconvincing 22-6 victory over Connacht in the Welsh capital last night. In a poor game at the Cardiff City stadium, the 11,000 spectators swelled by the hundreds of schoolchildren given free tickets, witnessed a tedious affair with Cardiff only once going over the line. Casey Laulala, returning from injury, cut inside two hapless Westerners to cross for a touchdown converted by fly half Dan Parks whose penalty kicking was crucial to the home side. Leigh Halfpenny also kicked a late penalty from 51 metres. For Connacht Ian Keatley kicked over twice and the visitors were unlucky not to be rewarded with a late losing bonus point. Hooker Adrian Flavin was held up just before the line but in truth Connacht never looked likely to win and the bright start to the season for Erik Elwood’s men is now over. Whilst Cardiff go temporarily top they’re are likely to be displaced after the weekend’s action including the mouthwatering clash between Leinster and Munster at the Aviva Stadium.