Cardiff University Women delivered a spirited and disciplined performance under the lights at Cardiff Arms Park, pushing reigning BUCS Super Rugby champions Cardiff Met in a heated Cardiff Clash encounter.
Although Met emerged 24–5 winners, Cardiff’s display demonstrated genuine progress, maturity, and resilience, signalling a team building confidence as the season enters a crucial phase.
Met opened the scoring early through a driven lineout, but Cardiff responded impressively, tightening their defensive shape and showing real physical intent. In the pack, captain Gabriela Della-Savina set the tone alongside Georgina Bullen and Grace Niklasson, who worked tirelessly in the second row. The front-row unit of Natalie Paul, Evie Guy and Alice Underwood held up strongly, helping Cardiff gain stability at set piece and compete effectively in contact.
Cardiff’s defensive organisation was one of the defining features of the first half. Katie Terrell produced key tackles out wide, Emily Moore disrupted Met’s midfield rhythm, and Mouse Robinson made sharp reads to keep Cardiff on the front foot defensively. Even after a late yellow card left them temporarily a player down, Cardiff’s composure ensured Met were held to a narrow 5–0 lead at the break a testament to their collective commitment.
The second half saw Cardiff grow further into the match. Eva Lewis controlled the tempo with confidence, while fly-half Lillian Brady provided direction and creativity, helping Cardiff move the ball with greater ambition. Sustained Cardiff pressure inside the Met 22 was eventually rewarded when Ffion James saw a gap and drove through the met defense on their tryline to score in the 71st minute, sparking a well-earned celebration from the Cardiff supporters. The try reflected Cardiff’s increasing fluency in attack and their refusal to let the champions dictate the pace.
Late scores from Met widened the final margin, but Cardiff’s performance was far closer than the scoreboard suggested. Impact players, including Olivia Rawlinson, Cleo Pallister-Turley and Poppy Tyrrell, added fresh energy, while the starting squad showed greater physicality, connection, and ambition across the park.
The Clash demonstrated a side on an upward trajectory. Compared with earlier heavier defeats this season, Cardiff’s ability to compete for long stretches, especially defensively highlights the significant strides being made within the group. Their structure, work rate and belief continue to build, with clear signs that this developing squad is beginning to challenge established Super Rugby sides more effectively.
Cardiff now turn their attention to their next league fixture: an important away trip to Loughborough University on Wednesday, 10 December. The performance at Arms Park provides strong momentum to take into that contest, as Cardiff look to convert their growing confidence into league points.