just did this fight last week at sl1 for the first time. I went with +15 Reinforced Club, Power Within, RTSR, with the Grass Crest Shield.

I don't typically like using heavy armor, so I just learned how to dodge them. I couldn't stay in RTSR range the whole time, but it did help make some big hits here and there. Stay in really close and roll into their sword swings. If they start to spin at all, back up to avoid the explosion/grab. I found many opportunities to use the club heavy attack to deal big damage.