CARDIFF THROUGH TO FACE NEWPORT

CARDIFF did just enough to earn themselves a home semi-final clash with arch-rivals Newport next Sunday after scoring five tries at the Arms Park to knock-out battling Bridgend.

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But if Dan Fish’s side are to win Super Rygbi Cymru they will need to be better again in a week's time to stay on course for a home final.

Bridgend came into the game on the back of morale boosting wins over Llandovery and Swansea and immediately made Cardiff know they were going to be in a battle. It was typically tense and nervy knock-out style rugby and there was no quarter asked or given in a scoreless opening 20 minutes.

Cardiff looked to be lacking in a bit of energy to begin with and Steff Emanuel was out of sorts in the early stages wearing the No 10 jersey. Twice he kicked out on the full, once as he aimed for the corner from a penalty.

Cardiff did get an early shot at a driving maul, but eagle eyed referee Ben Connor spotted an accidental offside and the chance went begging. The opening try came in the 21st minute from a line out in the Bridgend 22.