Cardiff Met Rugby suffered a 21–13 defeat in a fiercely contested clash at Parc de Pugh.

Brecon came away with the victory, but the visitors put up a fight. It will be fascinating to see how the result affects the rest of the season as we get into the business end.

The game

While Wales prepared for Sunday’s clash, Saturday belonged to the domestic game. Cardiff Met made the journey to Brecon as the Welsh leagues roared into life. Both sides were looking to improve their league standings. It was the home side that took an early lead with two tries in the 7th and 23rd minutes. Cardiff Met openside flanker Rhys Spavins crossed the line to get the university on the board. Yet, Brecon wrestled momentum back on the brink of half-time. 21–5 was the scoreline at the break. In the second half, points were hard to come by. The deadlock was broken as Ryan Cozens powered over for Cardiff Met, with Ross McKay calmly slotting the conversion. Despite the late score, the game finished 21–12 in favour of the home side. Next up for Met in the Welsh Premiership is Narberth.

League standings and next up

After the weekend's result, Cardiff Met sit eighth in the league. From 16 games, the record reads five wins and 11 defeats. They have scored 334 points, conceded 426, and earned 10 bonus points, leaving them on 30 league points, a campaign built on effort. They will be hunting for a win against Narberth. Narberth currently sit 10th with 25 points, having played 13 games, winning five and losing eight. They have scored 267 and conceded 344. Coming off a narrow 24–19 defeat to Neath at the Gnoll, it sets up an interesting clash in Cyncoed on 28th February.

Around the league

The title fight is heating up, and every point feels precious. Across the league, statement results are raising the stakes and turning the pressure up another level. Pontypridd and Merthyr continued their respective title challenges. Merthyr secured a 40–12 win over Ystrad Rhondda, and Ponty beat Newbridge 38–22. Llangennech produced an impressive performance to win at home against Llanelli Wanderers. Finally, Bargoed edged Cross Keys in a close encounter. In unpredictable conditions, every game, every point, every moment is vital. Cardiff Met will be hunting for redemption against Narberth and to make strides up the league table.