Both teams tried to play an expansive game and it was the Saints who were frustrated by several missed chances and poor decision making at crucial times. The opening score went to the Cardiff side with a well struck penalty. Saints quickly responded with a well taken try by lock Courtney Lawes, who rounded off an impressive six-phase passage of play.
No further scores were added before the break despite scrum-half Harry Peck grounding the ball over the try line twice in three minutes and number 8 Rob Milligan adjudged to have knocked the ball on before crashing over the line.
The second half started with Cardiff winning the restart and quickly entering the Saints 22. Quick ball meant the Saints defence could not get organised and the left wing was awarded a try in the corner much to the bemusement of the entire Tetley's Stand and the 30 players!
Saints dominated the set piece and were rewarded when they stole a Cardiff throw on their five-metre line and lock Jack Sharp drove over for a well deserved try. The conversion flew wide to keep the Saints lead at 10-8.
An excellence line break by fly half Darryl Veenendaal led to a good field position. Pressure from flanker Liam Neale forced a poor clearance kick and Lawes drove over from the lineout for his second try of the evening.
The lead was short lived as a poor receipt of the restart led to a Cardiff lineout 5m from the Saints line. Saints pressured the throw and when the ball bobbled over the back it was the Cardiff open-side who was quickest to react and dive over the line. The conversion was added to make the score 15-15 with 10 minutes to go.
Despite dominating the territory and possession the Saints side were unable to add any further scores and it was Cardiff who had a chance to take the lead after an interception charge down the pitch. The kick missed and gave the Saints one last chance for an assault in the Cardiff 22. Sure enough the pack won a turnover and quickly moved the ball to space and were soon in striking distance. A penalty was awarded to Saints as the last play of the match but sailed wide to total 16 points missed by the boot.
Thanks go to the supporters, officials and players of Cardiff Blues who we hope to have a return fixture next season.
