In the first minute of the match a high tackle on Rhys Williams saw the Blues awarded a penalty, however, from 40 yards out Blair hit just wide. Steinmetz also hit wide with his first attempt minutes later.

The Blues did well and were playing in the Ulster half when Mike Phillips threw a long pass out to Bradley Davies. It looked as if they had an overlap on but unfortunately for the Blues the ball rolled in to touch when Powell tried to pass inside and the move broke down.

The deadlock was broken in the thirteenth minute when Ulster were awarded a penalty that Steinmetz converted. Mike Phillips was a catalyst for the Blues and once again took a quick tap and go and worked his way up field. A chip ahead saw a sprint for the try line, but Cunningham just beat the Blues players to the ball.

A high tackle on Ben Blair saw Andrew Trimble sent to the sin bin and Blair this time converted to level the score. The Blues were now playing with momentum that nearly resulted in Blair scoring in the corner. Ulster, however showed their class with an excellent break to within metres of the Blues try-line.

The Blues got the first try of the night when a forceful break straight through the Ulster defence by Nick Macleod saw an overlap emerge. Chris Czekaj did well to gather the ball and was forced over the try-line to score. Blair added the conversion.

Good running by Czekaj took the Blues up to Ulster twenty two. Jamie Robinson came to within inches of the try-line but was tackled just short. Frustratingly the move broke down and Ulster managed to clear their lines.

HALF TIME CARDIFF BLUES 10 ULSTER 3

The Blues started well with a great break by Stcherbina early in the second half. However, they then threw away a golden opportunity when a certain try was on. The ball was knocked on from a bad pass two yards from the Ulster try line and the league champions managed to clear.

A period of dominance by Ulster put pressure on the Blues and when Ulster were awarded a penalty in the Blues twenty two, they opted to go for the line out. The forwards defended excellently to keep Ulster out, before eventually the visitors passed the ball forward. The Blues made things difficult for themselves by not clearing well enough up-field. Gethin Jenkins prevented a certain try with a thunderous tackle but still the Blues were under pressure. They eventually won a penalty and managed to clear.

Ulster however fought back. A horrendous missed tackle saw the Ulster number 8 Roger Wilson waltz through the Blues defence and touch down under the posts. Steinmetz converted. The scores were level with 20 minutes to go.

It appeared that the Ulster backs were offside when Trimble collected the ball and raced away for a break away try in the 72nd minute. Steinmetz converted to ensure it would be another tense finish for the Blues faithful.

The home side were awarded a penalty and chose to go for the three points. Blair kicked it cleanly but once again the ball hit the upright to the dismay of the home fans. However they didn't have to wait long for something to cheer about. Excellent work by Czekaj and Shanklin saw the big centre cross for a try. Macleod converted to level the scores with only minutes left.

It was another nail biting finish with Nick Macleod going wide twice with drop goal attempts. It was a case of third time lucky and as the ball sailed through the posts, the Blues had secured the win that took them to third in the Magners League