The Blues were already out of the LV=Cup but they produced a committed performance as Phil Davies’ men followed the lead of Wales Under-20s with a victory over Irish opposition.
Tom Homer kicked the visitors in front but he failed to control Rhys Patchell’s kick as Evans capitalised.
The Blues made a bright start in the difficult conditions at the Arms Park, with both Patchell and Michael Paterson threatening on the counter attack but it was the Exiles that took the lead thanks to the boot of Homer.
Cardiff fought back and they surged into the lead as Homer appeared to flap at Patchell’s long kick to allow Evans to snatch an opportunist score.
Patchell slotted the extras to hand the Blues a 7-3 lead at the break.
The Exiles came flying out of the blocks in the second-half and Guy Armitage almost burst clear for an early try but the Blues scramble defence was up to the task.
Homer cut the deficit to a single-point after Cardiff were penalised at the scrum on 54 minutes.
But again the Blues rallied with Patchell and captain, Evans and Jason Tovey at the fore. They twice came close to crossing the whitewash but Irish held on.
Patchell missed a second shot at goal on 60 minutes but he quickly made amends to restore the slender advantage.
The English club dominated exchanges at the death but Phil Davies’ men defended heroically to secure the win.
