By Jordan Jones
A LATE surge from Cardiff University saw them progress to the semi-finals of the BUCS Trophy after seeing off the challenge of University of South Wales.
Blindside flanker Georgia Evans scored USW’s only try of the game in an enthralling encounter between the two South Walian sides in her final home appearance for Mark Hutton’s side. Evans was outstanding for the hosts, showcasing her leadership skills on a number of occasions.
It was a dramatic improvement by USW given the previous meeting between the two sides resulted in a 62-0 victory for the current Western 1A Division leaders Cardiff.
Cardiff scored the first try of the game through Gen Harvey after USW were drawn out too easily as Harvey exploited the space left by the USW winger.
The visitors went in at the break with a slight lead and it was clear USW needed more confidence in attack and to include captain Freya Jones to a greater extent.
Fast out of the blocks, Evans claimed her deserved try for the hosts. That Evans forced her way over the line owed everything to some determined attacking forays by the hosts.
Evans received treatment for an injury but came back on and certainly made the impression, making a number of key tackles.
Cardiff nudged ahead with 15 minutes remaining through a well-worked try and claimed a third touchdown at the death to wrap up the win.
Cardiff will play the winner of Cardiff Metropolitan v Cambridge University in the semi-final.
As for USW, they now return to league action next Wednesday when they make the short trip to Bath, with the aim of survival in the Western 1A Division.