The match kicked off a month of Irish Invasion at the Arms Park with the Blues also welcoming Leinster and Connacht to the 'Home of Legends' this February and Wales playing Ireland the following day at the national stadium.

London Irish's Shane Geraghty kicked off the match on a very muddy Arms Park pitch. Rhys Patchell was able to gain some ground for the Blues as they headed for the London Irish line but a knock-on by Blues' hands gave London Irish their first chance for the try line. The Blues defence stayed strong leading to a penalty scrum but minutes later the Blues were dealt a blow when Cory Hill had to make an early exit from the field with a sprained ankle.

A good break from Harry Robinson saw the Blues gain ground, but London Irish's defence proved sturdy. The strong defence from both sides meant the game was mainly played in between the twenty-twos. A stunning break Paterson who offloaded to Patchell saw the Blues come close to the try-line but a knock stopped their effort.

London Irish had the first chance at the post as Tom Homer kicked the visitors into the lead. Rhys Patchell again showed his skills with a chip and chase before the ball was recycled and Benoit Bourrust came close picking up the ball, aiming for the try line but was held up short. The Blues were awarded a penalty which Patchell kicked just wide.

However it wasn't long before the Blues scored. A kick from Patchell, knocked-on by London Irish, gave Gavin Evans the chance to capitalise on the confusion to score the first try of the evening. Rhys Patchell converted.

London Irish looked to quickly close the gap when a penalty awarded to them against the Blues for not rolling away. Tom Homer's kick hit the post and the ball bounced back into play, allowing the Blues to maintain the lead going into half time.

Half time Cardiff Blues 7 London Irish 3

The second half proved to be stop and start affair for both teams as both sides failed to gain momentum.

An infringement at the scrum and a quickly taken Irish free kick saw London Irish fight for the try line, but the Blues defence stayed solid. For their effort London Irish where awarded a penalty after nearly fifteen minutes near the Blues ten metre line. Homer kicked the ball over the post to narrow the Blues lead.

Patchell restarted and the young home side showed their pace and ball skills as a quick break saw them near the London Irish line. London Irish gave away a penalty which Patchell again kicked shy of the posts.

A gritty display by the Blues and aggressive first up tackles put the Irish under pressure. Once again London Irish are penalised for not rolling away and Rhys Patchell ensures that he gains the points for the Blues.

A last minute break from London Irish Guy Armitage down the wing saw the Blues under pressure but a strong tackle Alex Walker broke Armitage's stride preventing the Irish from crossing the whitewash.

The last five minutes of the match saw London Irish battle for the try line however the Blues defence remained solid to secure a great victory.

Cardiff Blues :15. Jason Tovey 14. Owen Williams 13. Gavin Evans (c ) 12. Dafydd Hewitt 11. Harry Robinson 10. Rhys Patchell 9. Alex Walker

8. Robin Copeland 7. Thomas Young (69off) 6. Michael Paterson 5. James Down 4. Cory Hill (8off) 3. Benoit Bourrust ( 53 off) 2. Rhys Williams ( 69 off)1. Nathan Trevett (53 off)

16. Kristian Dacey (53 on) 17. Sam Hobbs ( 69on) 18. Taufa'ao Filise( 53 on) 19. Luke Hamilton( 8 on) 20. Rory Watts-Jones (69on) 21 Lewis Jones 22. Ceri Sweeney 23. Chris Czekaj

London Irish 15. Tom Homer 14. Topsy Ojo 13. Jonathan Joseph 12. Guy Armitage 11. Marland Yarde 10. Shane Geraghty (Captain) 9. Patt Phibbs

1. Max Lahiff 2. Mike Mayhew 3. Halani Aulika 4. Kieran Low 5. Bryn Evans 6. Matt Garvey 7. Jebb Sinclair 8. Chris Hala'ufia

16. Davey McGregor 17. Jerry Yanuyanutawa 18.Leo Halavatau 19.James Sandford 20. Alex Gray 21. Steven Shingler 22. Ian Humphreys 23. Jack Moates

Cardiff Blues
Tries Evans x1
Con Patchell x1
Pen Patchell x1
D/G

London Irish
Tries
Con
Pen Homer x2
D/G

Attendance 5,938
Yellow Cards