Cardiff 22 Ulster 8: Ulster's disappointing season continued at the Arms Park in Cardiff last night as the home side ground out victory.

Ulster are in danger of missing out on the Celtic Cup quarter-finals and are looking over their shoulders at Connacht in the race to avoid being the bottom Irish province.

Ulster conceded an early try and trailed 15-5 at half-time. Cardiff backrow Robin Sowden-Taylor scored a try after only 90 seconds after a break from winger Craig Morgan. Blues fullback Nick Macleod added a penalty goal, and centre Tom Shanklin scored his side's second try of the opening quarter.

Paddy Wallace's neat inside pass set Ulster up for their first attacking chance and Tommy Bowe scored in the corner. Cardiff were rocked when Shanklin limped off the field, throwing into doubt his Lions chance.

On the resumption Wallace carved his way through the defence from the kick-off. Lock Gary Longwell - playing his 150th game for Ulster - was held up close to the try-line and Wallace opted for the three points when Cardiff were caught offside.

Wallace missed a second close-range shot - at least according to the touch judges, who kept their flags down.

Just as the Blues threatened to go back into their shell Craig Quinnell smashed over for a try. Cardiff pressed hard for the bonus-point try but without success.

Scorers: Cardiff: Tries - R Sowden-Taylor, T Shanklin, C Quinnell; Pen - N Macleod; Cons - N Macleod 2. Ulster: Try - T Bowe; Pen - P Wallace.

Cardiff Blues: N Macleod; C Czekaj, R Williams, T Shanklin (T Davies 38), C Morgan; N Robinson, R Powell; J Yapp, G Williams, G Jenkins, C Quinnell, R Sidoli, R Sowden-Taylor, M Williams (capt), K Schubert (N Thomas 68).

Ulster: B Cunningham; T Bowe, K Maggs, P Steinmetz, S Young (A Maxwell 71); P Wallace (A Larkin 68), K Campbell; S Best, P Shields, R Moore (R McCormack 32), G Longwell (R Frost 50), M McCullough, A Ward (capt), G Pfister, R Wilson.

Referee: David Changleng (Scotland).