12th January 2008 - Vardre RFC

The lack of match practice was clear in this morning's game at Vardre RFC. Having not played a competitive game for over five weeks the Cardiff side found it difficult to gain any type of momentum in all facets of play.

The Cardiff forwards, so used to having their own way all season, were completely outplayed by a huge Swansea pack whose sole aim was to counter ruck and maul. They did so effectively and prevented the Cardiff pack any type of attacking platform.

Although the Swansea side had the majority of play, the away side defended courageously and prevented any score for the home side, who themselves, had only lost one other game this season.

The Swansea centre partnership worked well together, but Cardiff outside half Breandan Nap (Cathedral) and his centres, Jesse Lipitz Robic (Mynydd Bychan) and Teri Morgan Gee (Rumney) were equal to any attacking runs and resolute in defence.

Wings Connor Martin (St. Johns College) and Joel Croker (Baden Powell) saw very little ball for the duration of the game, yet their cover tackles were noted by the referee as potential try savers.

Kai Laferla (Albany Road) and skipper Sydney Blackmore (Llandaff CW) made some good inroads into the Swansea defence late on, but again it was the heavier Swansea pack who saved the day and gained turnover ball.

The restarts were dealt with well by the Cardiff second row Thomas 'Tito' Hayward (Radyr) who delivered another solid performance.

Cardiff worked hard for their win, but will need to step up a gear in order to compete against Llanelli in the cup next week.

Man of the Match - Cameron James (Rumney) was the Cardiff try scorer whose all round game was outstanding.

Cardiff B 7 Swansea B 5

19th January 2008 Vardre RFC

As with the A side the lack of match practice showed as the Cardiff players took a while to up the tempo of their game in order to compete on an even level.

Joshua Rodgers was the star of the show with some devastating runs and excellent vision. He started a move that saw fellow back Joshua Payne (Pwll Coch) display his handling skills and awareness to pass to full back Callum Bricknell (Herbert Thompson). Bricknell scored to see Cardiff take the lead.

Although Swansea managed to reply, the result was never in doubt as the hard working back row of Hugo Suoto (Christ The King), Jonathan Hunt (Cathedral) and Lloyd Hopkins (Llanishen Fach) ensured that they made it to the breakdowns first to secure possession.

Hooker William Haines (Cathedral) showed his class with a number of strikes against the head on his first game back after injury. Sam Scanlon (Creigiau) displayed great strength in attack and Tom Edwards (also Creigiau) displayed dogged skills around the base of rucks.

Megan Jones (Mynydd Bychan) was a constant thorn in the side of the Swansea team. Her aggressive defence and good all round performances have earned her many plaudits already this season.

Players of the match - Joshua Rodgers (Cathedral) and Hugo Suoto (Christ The King).