Durham University 24-21 Cardiff University
Reporter: Adam Gaston
A chilly night in London warmed into a thriller as Cardiff University lost narrowly to Durham at Rosslyn Park.
A fantastic occasion at Rosslyn Park welcomed both sides contesting the Edward Wood Trophy under Friday Night Lights.
The game kicked off with a scrappy opening for both sides. Durham commanded early scrum dominance and made their way up the pitch with physicality.
The deadlock was broken a quarter of an hour into the game with Durham hooker Louis Inham crashing over after a strong maul. The Conversion was missed by Louie Platt.
Cardiff responded with pressure in the Durham half and were nearly in after a Gryff Watkins break out wide. A tackle from opposite centre Victor Ravailhe was just enough to thwart the opening.
Despite impressive line speed from Cardiff, a more secure scrum and some big carries from Mason Archer, the away side were unable to convert in a period of good territory.
Just after the 30-minute mark, Durham extended their lead, showing a clinical edge in Cardiff territory. Captain Marcus Rhodes powered over after several carries in the 22 to extend the lead to 10-0.
Shortly after, scrum half Fergus Callington found a lovely inside ball the centre Victor Ravailhe who went over for a well-constructed score. Louie Platt was able to convert, and Durham headed into the break 17-0 to the good.
Cardiff came out encouragingly in the second half engaging in a well contested kicking battle. However, Durham were able to sustain pressure in Cardiff’s half and made their way to the 22.
Over 10 minutes into the second half, a driving maul was brought down illegally and saw a bonus point and penalty try to the hosts. Cardiff prop Cengarle-Desforges was sin-binned for collapsing the maul as it headed to the line.
Down to 14, Cardiff showed real grit to stay in the fight and were rewarded as speedster Jack Thomas anticipated a Durham pass to canter in and score Cardiff’s first of the night, just shy of the 60-minute mark.
Big impact brought from the bench from Dylan Line and Ellis Bird, amongst others, energised Cardiff in an encouraging period. Charlie Brook pulling the strings found Line with a lovely mis-pass and the hooker barged down the touchline before being taken out by the collar by a Durham defender. Replacement Keelan Farrell was sent to the sin bin.
Cardiff added a second try shortly after. Continuity in the 22 resulted in a score for impressive performer Max Truby. Cardiff were right back into it at 24-14 as Charlie Brook converted again. 12 minutes left to go on the clock.
Durham came right back and looked to snuff out a comeback with another driving maul try, however Cardiff held strong and prevented to score with great defence.
Running out of time, Cardiff’s Max Truby made a break and put the away side into Durham territory with just minutes to go.
Winning a penalty, they rejected the 3 points. Instead going to the corner in search of score to set up a grandstand finish. That endeavour was rewarded, a big carry from Pascoal-Reynolds put them just metres from the line. Replacement Jake Scott would crash over and Charlie Brook convert with just 20 second left on the clock.
A famous comeback on the cards, Cardiff found the lively Jack Thomas who broke free making his way up to the halfway mark from his own 22, winning a penalty from that breakdown. Cardiff hopes were rising as they went deep into Durham’s half.
Continuity of phases in the 22 was impressive as Cardiff found Charlie Brook, who spotted space in Durham’s left corner. A kick through for Jack Thomas to chase bounced through as the winger hared after it. However, that ball bounced just out of his reach and the ball went dead. The game was over, Cardiff just missing out.
The Edward Wood Trophy would go back to Hollow drift and Durham
A hugely spirited comeback from the boys from the Welsh Capital who showed real attacking bravery and intent in the second half. A losing bonus point on the road to add to the two from the Cardiff Clash.
An encouraging display from the lads who will be naturally disappointed but proud of their efforts, something to take into the Christmas break with plenty of rugby still to be played in the new year.
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