Blues 30 Ulster 17
In a fantastic opening 40 minutes, the Blues dominated, scoring 3 well worked tries from Martyn Williams, Alfie and Jamie Roberts. With Nick Robinson at his best, the Blues flowed and created numerous opportunities and began their impressive first half points haul.
Following a successful Blair penalty, it was Robinson's break that led to the first try, the fly half finding space off first phase line out ball. He found Maama Molitika who made the hard yards before throwing a stunning offload to Martyn Williams, who flopped over unopposed. Blair got the conversion.
The back three were having a fantastic match, with Blair and James in particular looking highly dangerous in possession.
And James was sole provider for Alfie's try. A set move saw the massive winger move into the 10 position, he has the pace and pure strength to break the first line of defence and ran from half way to the 5 metre line before offloading unselfishly to Alfie, who like Williams before him, had the simple task of crossing and placing the ball down. Blair converted again.
Jamie Roberts was the benefactor for the Blues final try of the evening on 39 minutes. After collecting line out ball deep in the 22, the forwards did their best to burrow through, before a series of outstanding offloads along the line saw Roberts, like both before him, able to touch down with all the time he wanted to stroll under the posts. Blair converted once more.
In a boring second half, affected by injuries to Ben Blair, Marc Stcherbina as well as numerous stoppages, Ulster drove over from close range, then later scored a break away try after a Nick Robinson mistake, Jason Spice not able to keep up after the hack on from Andrew Trimble.
Cardiff got on the board just once in the second half, as Dai Flanagan slotted a penalty after both Ulster tries, wary of a come back. But in truth, Cardiff had far too many opportunities without getting the 4th try. The line out and scrum went badly wrong in the important areas, while Jason Spice had a terrible performance after coming on to replace Ritchie Rees.
Deiniol Jones was awarded man of the match for his hard work in al areas of the pitch, but in truth, there were few contenders for the accolade.
Cardiff Blues (27) 30
Tries: M Williams, G Thomas, J Roberts
Cons: Blair 3
Pens: Blair 2, Flanagan
Blair, J Roberts, Shanklin, G Thomas, James, N Robinson, Rees, Jenkins, G Williams, Filise, D Jones, Tito, Molitika, M Williams, Lewis.
Stcherbina for Blair (50), Flanagan for N Robinson (67), Spice for Rees (60), R Thomas for G. Williams (58), G Powell for Filise (60), Morgan for D Jones (67), White for M Williams (67).
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