Josh Adams was pleased to win ugly as Cardiff fought to a nervy 17-8 victory over Benetton Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship. 

The Blue & Blacks went into the encounter acutely aware of the importance of winning to maintain their play-off credentials, with home matches now few and far between.

It was a scrappy game against a physical Italian side, in difficult conditions, but Adams was delighted to see his side edge affairs at the Arms Park.

He said: “It was wet, scrappy, I bet it wasn’t pretty to watch at home at times. But we just said in the circle at the end, wins like this, on nights like this, they become vitally important at the back end of the season when you look back, so I’m delighted with the fight tonight. 

“You could tell way the game was going to go with the conditions coming in and especially that aerial contest now, it’s such a huge part of the game. It was nice to get one back there to sort of swing momentum back for us.

“I think we’re much better in tight games this season. Something we spoke about at the start of the season was bringing our fight and how we stick at it for 80 minutes. 

“On nights like tonight that fight shines through, and I’m delighted with the effort of the lads tonight. A couple of disruptions in the back three early doors with Jakey (Beetham) and Iwan (Stephens) going off, but we managed it really well.” 

Cardiff finish the block with a trip to face Ulster Rugby at Ravenhill next weekend, in another clash against a play-off contender. The Blue & Blacks are currently fourth in the URC, level on points with third-place Leinster, who are next to visit the Arms Park.