Amlin Challenge Cup: Cardiff and Wasps reach semi-finals

CARDIFF Blues produced a terrific display of attacking rugby to stroll into the semi-finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup with a seven-try 55-20 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

Dai Young's side reached the last four of a European competition for the second season in a row.

The visitors led 17-13 at half-time after making a great start with tries from centre Casey Laulala and flanker Martyn Williams, with Ben Blair adding seven points with the boot.

Winger Charlie Amesbury dotted down for the Falcons, with fly-half Jimmy Gopperth kicking a conversion and two penalties.

After the break, prop Taufa'ao Filise went over twice with Blair, Jamie Roberts and Ceri Sweeney also scoring for the Blues as Blair ended the game with a personal haul of 25 points. Micky Young got a late consolation for Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Tom Varndell celebrated a hat-trick as Wasps booked their semi-final place with a comfortable victory over Gloucester.

Ben Jacobs and Serge Betsen had opened Wasps a 17-6 lead before Varndell sent another reminder to the England management with an electric try treble.

Varndell scored his first as Wasps carried a 27-16 lead into the interval after a pulsating first half. Gloucester clung onto Wasps' coat-tails with a try from Adam Eustace – but Varndell's second-half double and 17 points from Danny Cipriani sealed the victory for Wasps.