Capital city takes Varsity prizes

SWANSEA UNIV ............ 15 CARDIFF UNIV .............. 23

CARDIFF University won the Welsh Varsity showpiece rugby finale to keep hold of the coveted Welsh Varsity Cup.

After an action-packed day of sporting rivalry between the neighbouring Welsh universities, Cardiff went into the men’s rugby match at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea with an overall score of 26, and Swansea on 16.

It meant Cardiff University had already laid claim to the Varsity Shield after Swansea took it home last year for the first time in the competition’s history.

With the Welsh Varsity Cup still on the table, both teams went into the fixture determined. After six minutes, Cardiff’s fly-half James Davies was the first to put points on the board, kicking a penalty to hand his side a 3-0 lead.

Swansea responded thanks to a Hywel Williams try.

The remainder of the first half saw Cardiff’s Davies slot over his second penalty, while the visitors were later penalised at the breakdown in the 18th minute and Swansea’s Rory Garrett brought the hosts up to 8-6.

Cardiff responded with their first try of the evening after 28 minutes from James Homes right between the posts, converted by Davies as Cardiff led 13-8 at the break.

In the second half good chances were missed by Cardiff before their hard work paid off in the end with another touchdown. The reliable Davies converted to put further distance between them and their hosts. Davies was on target yet again after 65 minutes for another penalty, pushing Cardiff to a commanding 23 points.

Cardiff’s great run was slowed down after a penalty try in the 75th minute for the hosts reduced the deficit to eight points.

Overall Varsity score: Swansea University 16 - 27 Cardiff University. Swansea wins: Cycling, men’s rowing, archery, equestrian, kickboxing, athletics, golf, women’s tennis, women’s ultimate frisbee, women’s hockey, American football, women’s rugby, swimming and men’s volleyball.

Cardiff wins: Women’s rowing, rifle, triathlon, Tae Kwon Do, women’s water polo, sailing, women’s badminton, men’s badminton, netball, men’s tennis, IMG football, fresher rugby, men’s squash, men’s water polo, men’s lacrosse, women’s volleyball, men’s fencing, men’s ultimate frisbee, women’s basketball, men’s hockey, women’s squash, women’s lacrosse, men’s basketball, women’s fencing and men’s rugby.

Draws: Men’s football, boxing, canoe polo, and women’s football.

Cancellations: Cricket.