The Blues' defence haul down Bath's Jonny Fa'amatuainu © Getty Images

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Matches Cardiff Blues 24 - 18 Bath

Teams England | Wales

Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young acknowledged his side had been fortunate to see off Bath to reach the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals tonight.

The Welsh side were forced to dig deep for their 24-18 success at the Arms Park with the kicking of Ben Blair, who landed three penalties and a conversion, proving crucial. Young said: "I'm not going to pretend we were the better side tonight because I thought Bath were outstanding.

"What won the day for us was courage and determination to get over that line. We rode our luck on a couple of occasions, but Bath were excellent. They're probably the best team we've played.

"The last five minutes of the first half were huge for us, when they were camped on our line, but somehow we held out."

The Blues led 13-3 at the break after a try by Maama Molitika. Taufa'ao Filise restored their advantage after Bath were awarded a penalty try but Andrew Higgins crossed to make life uncomfortable for the hosts. Bath coach Steve Meehan was naturally frustrated at his side's loss.

"I was disappointed with our first-half display, but I thought we improved after the break," he said. "We gifted Cardiff a soft try early on and made it difficult for ourselves. Some of our guys gave a good account of themselves. Danny Grewcock and Andy Beattie did well in their first games back after injury."

The victorious Young was wary about showing too much jubilation.

"The important thing is for us to keep our feet on the ground," he insisted. "But we have to look at the facts - and the facts are that to get through this group we've beaten the first, second and third in the Guinness Premiership."