The 27-154 win means The Steelmen are one win away from reaching their first major final since 1998. Llandovery, Swansea and Merthyr will be joining them in the hat for the draw for the final four.
Centre Ethan Phillips and wing Amir Jiwa-Walji scored in each half to add to a first half penalty try to enable Jason Strange’s side to extend their unbeaten home run this season to five games. Outside half Evan Lloyd added two conversions and two penalties to finish off the Blue & Blacks.
“I’m really pleased, particularly with the way our league season has gone as well. We’re unbeaten at home, second in the league and to reach a semi-final is really pleasing,” said head coach, Strange.
“We’re in a strong position, on and off the field as a club, but we realise there are lots of challenges to come as well on the field.
“To make a final would be brilliant, not just for the club but for north Gwent as an area which we see ourselves as a club which we represent.
“It’s a rugby mad area and it would be a real reward for our supporters and the local area if we could manage to reach the final – but there’s a lot of rugby to be played before then. We’ve put ourselves in a really strong position as a club.”
Second half tries from Alun Rees and Eddie Drake had threatened a Cardiff comeback, having been 20-3 down at half time. Jacob Lloyd converted Rees’ try while Harrison James kicked a penalty in the first half.
“I thought we were really good value for our lead at half time. We played with real variety in the first half and it was a credit to the players, they executed the game plan superbly, added Strange.
“In the second half Cardiff were always going to come back and have some sort of response after the way we dominated the first half. But full credit to our players, they stuck to the task and they managed to see the game out.
“It was a good quality game, Cardiff came back well second half but I thought we thoroughly deserved our win.
“There are four good teams left in there and it’ll be a good occasion for the club – and our team – and hopefully we’ll represent ourselves well.”
