Cardiff overcame a slow start to earn a try bonus point win over Toyota Cheetahs in the EPCR Challenge Cup at the Arms Park last night.

Head coach Matt Sherratt put the first half down to the number of changes to the team and the impressive performance of the visitors, however was pleased with his side’s defensive efforts against the Cheetahs.

The Blue and Blacks fought back after the break and scored 21 unanswered points as Cheetahs began to tire, and Cardiff found their attacking rhythm.

“You could probably see there were 11 changes to the side, obviously, some of them were returning internationals, playing in their first game since Dragons,” said Sherratt.

“And Cheetahs are a good side as well, I’ve got to say. I was really impressed previewing them.

“They’re such a dangerous team, very physical, really aggressive at the breakdown, really aggressive defence, so it was probably going to take until 60 minutes to break them down.

“It was a strange first half really. The territory stats were 90-10 in their favour.

“We couldn’t exit due to the wind and we defended bravely around our try line but we probably gave them too many 22 entries.

“We were a little bit passive I felt off the first couple of phases which put pressure on our defence and then we gave penalties away and it’s been a little bit of a theme in some of our first halves, but we stuck in there and last 20 as we thought, they tired a little bit.”

Sherratt lauded the performance of player of the match Josh Adams, who scored a brace and is starting to find his best form after retuning from a long-term injury.

“He’s worked hard and as always he goes out there and he just oozes class and having his name on the team sheet gives everyone a boost,” added Sherratt.

“He looks sharp at the moment. I think it’s his third game back and there was a moment against the Dragons that led to a try when he took the outside and it was almost one of those moments you could see that Josh is getting his match sharpness back.”