The pitch passed its first test with flying colours in front of a small crowd which witnessed the first professional rugby union match to be played on an artificial pitch designed for the sport.
Nils Mordt and Ceri Sweeney traded penalties before visiting No 8 Robin Copeland put the Blues in front after he stole the ball at a Saracens lineout, and powered over the line, riding a couple of tackles as he crashed over.
Killing the ball at a ruck earned prop Sam Hobbs time in the sin-bin and Mordt punished the infringement with his third penalty.
Substitute Gareth Davies kicked the Blues to within a point with 10 minutes to go, but his fellow replacement Thomas Young was yellow carded in a lively finish.
Saracens landed the killer blow in the closing moments when rampaging centre Duncan Taylor squirted a pass out to wing James Short who crossed, with Mordt converting.
