Cold Night in Cardiff Ends in Biting Defeat

Cardiff University 19-54 Loughborough University

Reporter- Mackenzi John

A cold, rainy night in Cardiff ended in disappointment as the home side fell to a 54–19 defeat against Loughborough.

Cardiff found themselves on the back foot immediately, conceding a try to Loughborough in the 5th minute, followed by a second just four minutes later. It was a first half of few chances for the home side, as an energetic and clinical Loughborough outfit raced to a commanding 33–0 lead by half-time, a scoreline that looked insurmountable.

The odds were further stacked against the home side when Loughborough resumed their clinical finishing in the opening stages of the second half, with an additional try and subsequent conversion.

However, Cardiff fought back, Ellis Davies pulled a try back for Cardiff in the 47th minute, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts. The momentum continued in the 57th minute when Mason Archer added another try, however Harrison James would go on to miss the following conversion.

James crossed for a try himself in the 63rd minute narrowing the gap to 40–19, with a successful conversion, to get the raucous home crowd believing in an astonishing comeback.

Unfortunately, Cardiff’s brief spell of dominance ended when Loughborough reasserted their control with a try in the 69th minute, effectively putting the game out of reach. Further tries and conversions from the visitors in the closing stages sealed a convincing 54–19 victory.

Cardiff will face Leeds Beckett next week, a fixture that will be crucial in re-establishing their winning form and building much-needed momentum for the remainder of the campaign.