The mages I have fight mostly have wrestle or a wep that can disarm. Also, maxing out on HCI for disarms and DCI for defense helps a lot. I think it depends on the field you are in. If you are in a group you can afford not to have a wep but solo a melee skill helps a lot. 2/6 casting is a must as well.

My mage has a good warfork s/ SSI 25, SC, and HLD. HLD helps a lot since it seems once in effect they are pretty much a punching bag for a sec or 2.

The down side of a melee w/ a wep is if you are disarmed then you are defenseless for a bit so some people like wrestling so they can chug pots and disarm.

Good luck and I hope the info was somewhat helpful. I hope to never meet you in Fel....lol