Cardiff Blues returned to their winning ways with a vital victory over Celtic League leaders Ulster at the Arms Park.

Overwhelming territorial advantage in the first-half, allied to searing pace in the backs, established a 19-3 lead shortly after the interval. Though Ulster staged a spirited fightback, the Blues, reduced to 14 men for 20 minutes, held on to maintain their challenge for Heineken Cup qualification next season.

Jonny Vaughton left the field at half-time with a minor hamstring injury and Tom Shanklin sustained a cut head. Both will be fit well ahead of the Blues next fixture away to the Gwent Dragons in a fortnight’s time.