By Dewi Williams
After leading 28-14 in the first half, a strong second half performance from Cardiff Met saw them the winners of the Cardiff Clash this year. 30 unanswered points in the second half saw Cardiff Met win with a scoreline of 56 – 28 at the Arms Park.
Despite the disappointing result, there were plenty of positives head coach Chris Davies and the Cardiff Uni team can take from that first half performance, as well as memories of an occasion that they will never forget.
Reflecting on the result, Chris Davies explained the stark contrast between the first half and second half performances. “We dominated the first half,” he said, describing the team as “outstanding” and feeling “ecstatic” going into the changing rooms at half time.
Despite the positive feelings at the 40-minute mark, the overarching feeling after the final whistle was that of disappointment. “We’re disappointed with how the game went in the second half,” said Davies. “It’s a game of two halves really and Met dominated the second half.”
Regardless of the result, Davies praised his team’s “gallant” effort and looks forward to Durham next week at home where he hopes for more of the “speed and appetite to score tries” that got Cardiff in the lead during the opening 40.
A standout performer with two tries was number 8 Oliver Stirling. He again emphasised his team’s “great first half.” “We thought we’d come out and just carry on the momentum,” he said, but felt Cardiff Met’s strong kicking game nullified said momentum, putting Cardiff Uni on “the back foot” for the entire second half.
Despite the disappointment, Stirling acknowledged how amazing the occasion was, saying “it doesn’t get much better than this really.” and looks to bounce back, coming away from next week’s fixture against Durham with 5 points.
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