Droves of loyal supporters answered a call to arms at the iconic ground and cleared more than six inches of snow after Cardiff was hit by the big freeze - and their efforts were rewarded with the four points.

Wales scrum half Lloyd Williams returned from suspension to inspire the Blues with a performance of the highest class as the Welsh region piled the misery on Sale Sharks.

Tommy Taylor drove over for the game's opening try but Cardiff lead at the break thanks to the boot of Leigh Halfpenny.

Aston Croall grabbed a second try for the visitors but the Blues battled back into contention with Williams pouncing for a sublime individual effort before creating another for Michael Paterson.

Halfpenny kept the score ticking over to end with 16 points as the Blues avoided a Heineken Cup whitewash and leap-frogged Sale Sharks into third at the bottom of Pool 6.