Jamie Roberts touches down for his first-half try against Ulster

Blues (27) 30
Tries: M Williams, G Thomas, J Roberts Cons: Blair 3 Pens: Blair 2, Flanagan

Ulster (3) 17
Tries: Caldwell, Bowe Cons: O'Connor 2 Pen: O'Connor

Cardiff Blues remained on course to be Wales' highest Magners League finishers, but were disappointed not to claim a bonus point against Ulster.

The hosts raced to a 27-3 half-time lead in the Arms Park rain and mud as the visitors struggled to cope.

Martyn Williams, Gareth Thomas and Jamie Roberts scored Blues tries in the first half.

Ryan Caldwell and Tommy Bowe crossed for Ulster in the second half, but it was not enough.

Flanker Williams began the move that led to his opening score. His clean line-out take helped launch fly-half Nicky Robinson on to the offensive.

Robinson broke free before finding Maama Molitika who handed on before Williams raced clear and Ben Blair converted.

Wing Tom James then played provider, taking scrum-half Richie Rees's inside pass before breaking free and Molitika was again involved before Alfie finished off the move and Blair converted.

After 39 minutes Blues wing Jamie Roberts completed another outstanding attack by diving over, Blair again converting.

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Caldwell drove over after 53 minutes as Ulster rallied and although the visitors struck again when Bowe followed up after Robinson's mistake, the Blues regained territorial advantage, but were unable to make it pay.

Second-row forward Deiniol Jones took the man-of-the-match award for his hard graft up front in difficult conditions.

But the Blues will be kicking themselves for lacking the killer instinct to claim a fourth try. Ulster battled hard, particularly in defence, but never had the tools to seriously trouble the hosts.

Cardiff Blues: Blair, J Roberts, Shanklin, G Thomas, James, N Robinson, Rees, Jenkins, G Williams, Filise, D Jones, Tito, Molitika, M Williams, Lewis.
Replacements: Stcherbina for Blair (50), Flanagan for N Robinson (67), Spice for Rees (60), R Thomas for G. Williams (58), G Powell for Filise (60), Morgan for D Jones (67), White for M Williams (67).

Ulster: McCrea, Bowe, Trimble, Dewey, Bartholomeusz, O'Connor, Marshall, J Fitzpatrick, Brady, Court, del Fava, Caldwell, McCullough, Dawson, Wilson.
Replacements: Boss for Marshall (58), Young for J Fitzpatrick (58), Harrison for Caldwell (77), N Best for Dawson (34).
Not Used: Philpott, Steinmetz, Cave.

Att: 6,500

Ref: Andy MacPherson (SRFU).