Early indecisive play by the Scarlets in the opening minutes led to a penalty for the Blues, but Ben Blair's seemingly simple attempt at goal hit the post. Fly half Sam Norton-Knight followed suit by missing a drop goal.

Scarlets' first chance to get points on the board was awarded when the Blues' hooker Rhys Thomas was penalised for coming in from the side. Full back Daniel Evans sweetly placed the goal in between the post for an early 3-0 lead.

Seconds later the play was reversed as Sean Lamont was penalised and the Blues awarded another penalty. Blair quickly brought the score back to 3 a piece.

The Blues looked dangerous in the Scarlets' 22 but were denied a try millimeters from the line by the visitors' excellent defensive work. The ball was won back by the Scarlets and cleared to the touch line by scrum half Martin Roberts.

In the second quarter of the first half the Scarlets showed how they can play. Open and expansive passing in the backline which gained ground but the ball went dead as Iestyn Thomas was tackled over the touch line.

The Scarlets' defensive line was tested as the Blues showed great ability, wing Richard Mustoe showed excellent individual strength in attack, which led to a try by captain Paul Tito. It was followed by a successful conversion by Blair.

Another opportunity to extend their lead ahead of the interval was awarded to the Blues with Richie Pugh being off side. Blair took the Blues to 13 - 3.

The home side came out the strongest after the half and quickly piled the pressure on the Scarlets with a Blair penalty. Coach Nigel Davies responded to the 16 points to 3 difference by bringing on four pairs of fresh legs in the shape of Phil John, Matthew Rees and Vernon Cooper and the young scrum half Tavis Knoyle.

With only 15 minutes of the game remaining Blair once again edged the Blues another 3 points further ahead of the Scarlets after somewhat of a disappointing half by both sides.

The Scarlets responded well to the penalty however and took their attacking line up to the Blues try line. Matthew Rees, in his first appearance since returning from the Lions tour, was denied a try under the posts with the ball just short of the line.

Vice-captain David Lyons crossed the line for a try and a last gasp hope for the Scarlets of a bonus point in a match they did not get a grip of from the beginning.

Moments later the Scarlets once again looked eager to cross the line with Rhys Priestland and Gareth Maule passing well in field and Jonathan Davies finding a space to cross for a try. Blues 19 Scarlets 15. Evans was unsuccessful with the conversion.

It was a nail biting finish as the Scarlets found themselves deep in the Blues half in the dying minutes of the game, with a four point deficit only a try would have seen the visitors steel the victory. Even though they gave it their all it was too little too late as Norton-Knight kicked the ball off the park.

Man of the Match: Ben Blair

Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair 14 Richard Mustoe 13 Tom Shanklin 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Gareth Thomas 10 Sam Norton-Knight 9 Richie Rees 8 Xavier Rush 7 Robin Sowden-Taylor 6 Maama Molitika 5 Paul Tito (C) 4 Bradley Davies 3 Taufa'ao Filise 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 John Yapp
Replacements: 16 Darren Morris (60 - Filise) 17 Gareth Williams 18 Deiniol Jones (64 - Rush) 19 Andy Powell (40 - Molitika) 20 Gareth Cooper 21 Ceri Sweeney 22 Gavin Evans (35 - Roberts)

Scarlets: 15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones (c), 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Richie Pugh, 8 David Lyons.
Replacements: 16 Phil John (48 - Thomas), 17 Matthew Rees (48 - Owens), 18 Vernon Cooper (25 Blood - Day; 48 - Reed), 19 Josh Turnbull (29 - Easterby), 20 Tavis Knoyle (48 - Roberts), 21 Dan Newton, 22 Lee Williams (64 - Jones)