I actually tried a sword and ward, but with one little difference - the sword was a Summoned one (I figured go with the "magic weapons" theme). I could tear through other mages without much fuss, but I did find it hard to deal with other enemies at first. Then I realised that my summoned sword had boosted Conjuration nice and high.
So, yeah, fighting a Cave Bear with a summoned sword and a ward? Difficult.
Fighting a Cave Bear with a summoned sword, ward, and Storm Atronach? Not so much. :P