First final for Blues

Cardiff Blues have ensured Welsh representation in the final of the EDF Energy Cup after scoring an 11-5 victory over Northampton Saints at the Ricoh Arena.

The Magners League side earned a deserved victory on the balance of play, the Blues dominating the opening period and scoring a try through scrum-half Jason Spice on their way to an 8-0 half-time lead - one that could have been greater but for their opponents' resolute defence.

Northampton's backline gave a better account for itself during a more evenly-contested - and enjoyable - second period, scoring a try through Joe Ansbro but ultimately unable to mount a comeback.

Cardiff, who have reached their first Cup final since gaining region status, will therefore play Gloucester in the final at Twickenham on April 18.

Given that the Saints and Blues stand ninth and seventh in their respective leagues, the match had assumed a heightened sense of importance - one reason perhaps for a tight first half that was low on chances.

Intent

The Blues came into the match having played only three matches in the last two months but immediately showed more attacking intent and took the lead in the second minute when Ben Blair kicked a penalty.

Stephen Myler failed to redress the balance for Northampton eight minutes later and penalties remained the chief scoring opportunity for some time thereafter - Blair missing a long-range attempt after 15 minutes.

The Saints' defence stood firm against their opponents and then fashioned themselves a rare break when Myler burst through the centre in the 24th minute. But, having passed to James Downey, the latter's own attempt to find Ansbro came to nought when the latter lost possession.

An increasingly sharp Cardiff resumed their forward momentum and it was little surprise when Spice crossed for the opener in the 33rd minute - Blair missing the conversion.

Northampton made a flying start to the second half, with Neil Best soon bursting through a gap in the Blues' defence. His pass to Reihana then went awry but phase two of the attack ended with Ansbro appearing on the overlap to touch down in the left-hand corner.

Myler could not convert but the Saints now appeared back in the game and Ansbro could well have scored a second try moments later; however, their fly-half's pass to release Paul Diggin was adjudged forward.

A more open contest had developed, with Leigh Halfpenny showing every inch of his promise with a strong run after 50 minutes - Northampton lucky to escape an in at the side decision - before producing a cheeky chip and run which deserved a try.

Breathing space

Meantime, Tom Shanklin was bundled into touch just shy of the left-hand corner flag and Blair missed the chance to give Cardiff valuable breathing space when he missed a penalty after 55 minutes.

Replacement Barry Everitt tried and failed to bring Northampton level with a penalty attempt just past the hour and with the game looking likely to go either way, a move left to right in front of the posts ended when Tom James lost possession.

Referee George Clancy had already awarded the Blues a penalty, however, and Blair this time obliged, meaning Northampton now needed a converted score. They gained a penalty with two minutes remaining but Everitt's kick to the corner did not even reach its intended target.

Ten more Northampton phases followed but Cardiff's final appearance was sealed when their opponents knocked on.