Jim Mallinder was pleased that his side give Cardiff a run for their money

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder highlighted the positives after seeing his side bow out of the EDF Energy Cup at the last four stage.

Saints lost 11-5 to Cardiff Blues in Saturday's hard-fought semi-final at the Ricoh Arena.

But Mallender said: "There were some really good aspects. Our defence in particular was outstanding at times.

"If we'd looked after the ball a bit better we could have won," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"Cardiff are a big, physical side. They took us on down the middle and we defended very well.

"We also had a couple of good scoring opportunities which we didn't take."

Northampton now return to Guinness Premiership duty against leaders Gloucester at Franklin's Gardens this Saturday (4 April, 15-00 GMT).

They then face a European Challenge Cup quarter-final at home to Connacht the following weekend (11 April, 1500 GMT).

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version