Have you ever seen Swansea score a try?” was the chant that rang through the stands of the Principality during the first half of the women’s rugby at Welsh Varsity. The answer to that question for the duration of the first half would be a resounding no.
Up 78–0 at half-time, Cardiff was absolutely electric, reaping the rewards of an incredible effort put into a season of BUCs super rugby. This match highlighted that, despite a tough season against incredible opposition, Cardiff is well deserving of their spot amongst the best of the best. Cardiff Women’s Rugby is the league above Swansea, and it is very apparent in their standard of play. Their pace, handling and communication was unmatched by Swansea throughout, highlighting how much they’ve improved from last season. The coaching staff and team leadership of Captain, Claudia Harrison, and Vice Captain, Cadi Williams, have truly invested in building a squad that is both confident and cohesive on and off the pitch.
Cardiff’s back line ran circles around Swansea, managed by Vice Captain #10 Cadi Williams and #9 Lucy Senneck. These players both have an unmatched eye for space on the pitch and are key to Cardiff’s bold, patient, and fast-paced style of play. Third year fullback, Cara Ottoway, showed composure under pressure and kept the ball alive in the wide channel. Powerful runners like #13 Jocelyn Stirzaker and #11 Karolina Thomas ensured the ball got over the line— both scoring and assisting several tries.
Cardiff’s forwards played an equally quick game with standout line breaks across the pack, including #2 Ella Oldfield, #6 Lily Jones, #3 Anna Davies, #4 Olivia Price, and Captain #1 Claudia Harrison. All final-year students, these players experience showed with massive line breaks, rapid ruck turnovers and outstanding support play. A particularly standout performance was put in by Cardiff’s #8, Gabriela Della-Savina, who has been a key player for Cardiff since joining the club last year—and the same was true today. In attack, her pace and offloading skills kept Cardiff on the front foot and ultimately put her in for a try. In defence, she proved why she’s been Cardiff’s top tackler this season, making some incredible try-saving tackles on the edge of the pitch. To give credit to Swansea, they kept their heads high, despite the massive scoreline, and were able to rattle Cardiff’s stellar performance for parts of the second half. Approximately fifty minutes in, Cardiff’s discipline faltered as Swansea kept them under pressure defending near their goal line. Cardiff conceded several penalties, received stern talks from the referee, and were shown a yellow card for an intentional knock-on. Swansea managed to capitalise on this. Approximately sixty minutes into the match, Swansea’s Captain, #13 Anna Stowell, scored Swansea’s only try which was converted by #12 Katie French. Just as Cardiff’s carded player was coming back on, Cardiff was shown another yellow card for repeated penalties from the same player following warnings.
Despite these momentary lapses, Cardiff did not leave Swansea’s try unanswered. This half showcased the incredible depth of Cardiff University’s women’s rugby club with usual second team players making their Varsity debut and putting in an incredible performance. Cardiff’s 2s won their cup and league following an undefeated season, and these players were more than ready to square up to a more challenging opposition, especially as many of them had earned caps in the Bucs Super Rugby earlier this season. In the number 10 spot, #21 Mari Hefin showcased composure and keen rugby intelligence, maintaining the fast pace of play set by Vice Captain- #10 Cadi Williams in the first half. On the wing, #22 Zoe Jones maintained the incredible support play that enabled Cardiff’s fantastic performance and made metres with some hard running. #23 Zoe Cross, was an absolute standout, with a hat trick—meaning three tries—for Cardiff, crossing the line for her third and final try after having the sense to pick and go from a ruck 5 metres out, putting Swansea on the back foot.
Also with a hat trick was #11 Karolina Thomas and player of the match #13 Jocelyn Stirzaker who scored a whopping five tries. There was a well deserved Player of the Match award for Jocelyn Stirzaker, who put up an incredible performance in both attack and defence, not only putting the ball over the line, but setting up several of her teammates to do so. Ultimately, an impressive performance from Cardiff University women’s rugby to celebrate the hard work of an entire season. Final score: Cardiff 114, Swansea 7.