The Scarlets failed to secure a win at home going down 38 points to 23 against the Cardiff Blues.

In this all to play for encounter the Scarlets made a spirited start with attacking play and ran at the Blues defense with intent and gusto. The opening five minutes saw the home team deep in Blues territory and forced the star studded Blues to fight for their share of the ball.

Dan Evans kick charged down deep in the Scarlets half but outside half Rhys Priestland was on hand to gather the ball and kick safely into touch. As they were brought back near the halfway line after the Blues' kick went over the dead ball line, the Scarlets looked dangerous in attack as scrum half Tavis Knoyle fed the ball in to the scrum, regathered and found Maule who threw an almighty pass to the winger Lee Williams. With space ahead of him he made a dash to the line, only to pass the ball back inside just short of the line.

The pass went loose and the opportunity of early points was lost. It was not the end however for the Scarlets as they gathered the ball and made their way back to the thick of the Blues defensive line. Following a few fumbled passes the Blues won possession and kicked the ball down field. The Blues' international centre Gareth Thomas intercepted a pass and looked as though he would cross the try line for the opening points of the game, however the quick footed winger Williams, put in a try saving tackle and took the pressure off the home side.

With ball in hand the Blues looked to play expansive and attacking rugby but the Scarlets' defensive effort was massive as they put in hard hitting tackles.

It was not long before the Scarlets made their way back into the Blues territory and once again showed their intent to go for the try line. Newly returning centre Regan King showed some of his well-known flair and ability as he made a break through the Blues defense and got the ball out to his partner in the centre Gareth Maule. After a strong display by forwards such as Ken Owens and captain David Lyons the ball came out to Priestland who crossed the line for the first points of the game and converted his own try.

Moments later the Blues responded positively with a kick and chase down field and worked diligently to hold on to the territory gained. After much pressure the try came as international centre Tom Shanklin crossed the line and Ben Blair converted.

That was the spark that the Scarlets needed and a try came from the restart as a loose ball was gathered by flanker Josh Turnbull and the ever present Lee Williams followed his kick down the wing and beat his man to the try line.

Scarlets 12 Blues 7

In a heart stopping few minutes the Scarlets once again made a break as centre Maule danced around three Cardiff Blues players and made space for winger Andy Fenby to stretch his legs. He was tackled just short of the line on this occasion.

The Scarlets forwards showed great strength and ability as they pushed the Blues back to their own try line. It was a definite case of if at first you don't succeed, try try again! Captain David Lyons gathered the ball from the ruck and used his strength to cross the line.

Half time score: Scarlets 17 Blues 7

As the Welsh regions came out for the second half it was time for the gloves to come off as the Scarlets looked to get the bonus point with their fourth try and the Blues needed to gather momentum.

It was the Blues who secured the first points of the second half with constant pressure on the Scarlets try line early on. Even though the Scarlets defensive effort was once again of mammoth proportions it was not enough to keep the Kiwi centre Casey Laulala away from the scoring line. Full-back Ben Blair successfully converted to bring the score to Scarlets 17 Blues 14.

With the Scarlets wanting to secure the win it was for the posts they went after being awarded a penalty on the halfway line. Priestland's mighty boot didn't quite have enough legs on this occasion as it went wide of the upright.

This opportunity did however secure them a stronger territorial position as they once again played some attacking play deep in the Blues' 22. However as the hot-footed centre Laulala intercepted a pass it was clear that it would be déjà vu as he ran near enough the length of the pitch to score under the posts. The conversion was merely a training exercise for Blair as he placed the ball in front of the goal posts.

Scarlets 17 Blues 21

The two tries in quick succession for the Blues had fired something deep within as they ran at everything with great intent. Their third try in some ten minutes came from Taufa'ao Filise and was converted by full-back Blair.

With the Scarlets 11 points adrift it was time for the Scarlets to stand up and be counted if they were to get back into the game and secure their place in the semi finals of the LV= Cup. Martin Roberts, released from the Wales squad for this match by Warren Gatland, came on as replacement along with prop Iestyn Thomas and flanker Johnathan Edwards to give the forwards a boost.

With so much at stake the Scarlets players were not prepared to rest on their laurels as the wizard winger Williams made a dash for the line followed by plenty of Scarlets support. As they looked ever likely to score a try the Blues were penalised for being off side and Rhys Priestland took the three points with a penalty in front of the posts.

Another opportunity came for the Scarlets from the restart as the ball found its way to winger Fenby who darted in and out of tackles. The home team was awarded a penalty on the Blues 22. The play was fast paced with short sharp passes flying from one side of the field to the other. Their constant pressure paid off as the Blues were penalised once again for being off side.

Priestland reduced the point's deficit to five with just over 10 minutes remaining on the clock. But the Scarlets needed to stay within seven points of their opponents to secure a vital losing bonus point and secure their position in the LV=Cup semi-final.

Scarlets 23 Blues 28.

Regan King had a resounding round of applause by the Scarlets supporters as he left the field after 70 minutes of play on his first outing at Parc y Scarlets in 11 months.

The Scarlets put pressure on the Blues as they fought their way back into the territory and were once again awarded a penalty which was taken by Priestland but hit the post and bounced back into play.

The Scarlets' hopes were dashed as the Blues captain Paul Tito crossed for their fifth try of the evening which took their score to 38 with Blair's conversion. Scarlets were left reeling on 23 points and a long wait overnight for the results of Gloucester V Harlequins on Sunday afternoon. Gloucester will need a bonus point win away at Harlequins tomorrow to equal the Scarlets on points in Pool Two. It then goes down to try count to see who will proceed to the semi-final.
Final score: Scarlets 23 Blues 38