In the build up to Saturday's Ricoh Arena Semi-Final, Dai Young, Nicky Robinson and Martyn Williams had all spoken of their desire to finally bring some silverware to the long suffering Blues fans, and following an impressive display, they're now closer than ever before.

There were stand out performances from Welsh wingers Tom James and Leigh Halfpenny, while a kicking master class from Robinson ensured the Saints were kept back in their own half.

In fact, there wasn't a single player involved that can be disappointed with their efforts, as Cardiff continued their great form they've shown this season.

The Blues got off to the best possible start, with Ben Blair slotting a penalty inside the opening minute. Robinson's kick off was collected by the outstanding Cardiff forwards, only for Northampton to be penalised for hands in the ruck.

Saints fly half Stephen Myler missed the opportunity to bring his side level on 10 minutes, a mistake that would cost the English giants badly come the final whistle.

Cardiff enjoyed the vast majority of possession in the first half, but Northampton showed tremendous grit and determination with a number of huge hits to keep the Blues at bay. It took the experience of scrum half Jason Spice to get the games first try after 34 minutes, having stretched the Saints defence both left and right, it was a dummy at the base of a ruck which allowed the Kiwi to cross for a crucial score.

Blair missed the conversion from wide right, but a half time score of 8-0 wasn't too displeasing for the visiting Welsh contingent.

Half Time

Cardiff Blues 8
Northampton Saints 0

Having seen the Ospreys ‘nilled' in the previous match, Northampton came out firing and showed why they're still considered one of the Premierships strongest clubs. Myler spotted a mismatch in midfield and breezed past Tao' Felise, before drawing Tom Shanklin, the fly half then offloaded to wing Joe Ansbro who did superbly well to fend off Halfpenny and evade the touchline to bring the Saints right back in it. Myler failed with the important, but difficult, conversion attempt.

Jim Mallinder's side went on to enjoy a good spell after the second half had burst into life, twice coming close to breaking the Blues defence, only for a forward pass and knock on to prevent their progress.

But the Welsh too had chances go to waste, with Leigh Halfpenny running from one twenty two to the other and Tom James making massive ground up the other wing, but neither side were able to finish their opportunities.

With both sides throwing everything at one another, something was always going to give, and it looked as though Northampton would draw level after 65 minutes, but Myler missed yet another chance at goal and instead it was Cardiff who were next to score.

Blair slotted a long range effort to ensure the Saints would need a converted try to win the match, but the game was by no means done and dusted. Northampton, who remarkably spent last season in National Division 1, came back fighting again, and with all the possession as the match drew to its conclusion, it really could have gone either way.

But fortunately for the Blues, they held off the English efforts to record an 11-5 victory that means Cardiff will run out at Twickenham for the first time since taking on their regional identity, and could be the Welsh capitols first piece of silverware since the Welsh/Scottish League in 2000.

theArmsPark.co.uk Man of the Match - Jason Spice

In a match that really could have gone either way, the Kiwi's try proved the catalyst in what could become a famous victory on route to the Blues first ever trophy. He controlled the match superbly, and his decision making was spot on. Halfpenny, James, Robinson  and Rush were all worthy of the award, but with Spice leaving for Bristol in just a few months, he showed the character and determination that will ensure he'll be fondly remembered by Cardiff fans.

Blair; Halfpenny, Shanklin, J Roberts, James; N Robinson, Spice, Jenkins, G Williams, Filise, D Jones, Tito, Molitika, Sowden-Taylor, Rush.

T Thomas for G Williams (63), Yapp for Filise (67), Davies for D Jones (70), Morgan for Rush (77).

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