Cardiff Blues edged a tight contest over Bath but it wasn’t enough for Dai Young’s men to progress into the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Cup.
A late try by Wales flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor supported by three crucial penalties from Blues fly half Dai Flanagan handed the Welsh region a creditable 14-6 away win. But Leicester Tigers’ comprehensive success against Sale Sharks guaranteed a last four spot for Marcelo Loffreda’s side.
Both sides struggled with their handling early on before Flanagan slotted home his first penalty on 12 minutes from long-range.
England and Bath star Olly Barkley levelled the scores ten minutes later with a penalty but the Blues should have regained the lead on the half-hour mark only for scrum half Jason Spice to mishandle the ball over the try-line. Flanagan and Barkley swapped penalties before the interval.
The hosts should have sneaked ahead on 49 minutes following a high tackle by former Wales captain Gareth Thomas but Barkley’s penalty against an increasing wind fell just short.
But the Magners League leaders displayed their defensive strength and nous before grabbing the win with Sowden-Taylor’s try on 76 minutes.
target=_blank>Click Here for a Statistical Match Report from the Bath Rugby v Cardiff Blues EDF Energy Cup clash
