By Simon Roberts
Gwalia Lightning secured an impressive 20-5 victory over rivals Brython Thunder in the historic first Welsh derby in the new expanded Celtic Challenge tournament at a rain sodden Rodney Parade in Newport on New Year’s Day.
The first game of a unique Welsh derby double-header at the home of Dragons Rugby saw both sides go toe-to-toe in a physical and uncompromising contest in torrential rain to mark an exciting new chapter in women’s rugby in Wales.
Wing Catherine Richards, who has trained with the Wales senior squad, impressed and crossed for two of Lightning’s three first-half tries to secure a first win in the cross-border tournament between sides in Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
https://twitter.com/WelshRugbyUnion/status/1741852816128242065?s=20
Both Lightning and Thunder sides featured Wales Test stars, Wales U20s internationals and some new faces viewed as players who have the potential to play professional and international rugby for their country.
For the likes of Thunder captain Alex Callender, lock Natalia John, centre Hannah Bluck and Number 8 Sioned Harries it was an opportunity to get some valuable game time ahead of Wales forthcoming Six Nations campaign.
But it was the Lightning pack, led by skipper Bryonie King and fellow Welsh internationals Abbey Constable and Kate Williams, who had the upper hand with abrasive Number 8 Gwennan Hopkins leading the charge against the visitors.
Well done to @WelshRugbyUnion Gwalia Lightning and Brython Thunder who gave a really competitive start to the extended #CelticChallenge. More history being made in the women’s game and much more to come as Irish and Scottish teams gear up. https://t.co/LXAHnLtqM0
— Amanda Bennett (@ABCymru10) January 1, 2024
Lightning scrum-half Sian Jones, who has played for Wales U20s and Sale Sharks, proved why she trained with the Wales WXV1 squad in the summer and with her personal display would have been noted by the watching Wales coaching team.
Lightning opened the scoring after a period of pressure saw Wales flanker Williams, who impressed with Wales in WXV1 in New Zealand, crash over from short-range for the game’s first try. Thunder replied with a try after some quick thinking and a quick tap-penalty by scrum-half Meg Davies caught the home side napping.
https://twitter.com/WelshRugbyUnion/status/1741886672449470633?s=20
Wing Richards then crossed for her two tries in quick succession to give the home side a 17-5 lead midway through the first half. Full back Nel Metcalfe added her first conversion to give the Lightning a 12-point lead.
Lightning went in at the break with a 20-5 lead which they would not surrender despite Thunder roaring back into the contest in the second period, with the likes of Welsh international fly-half Niamh Terry being held up close to the line.
Despite Thunder’s determined efforts to claw themselves back in the contest, Lightning’s defence held form in the face of terrific onslaught by the visitors with both sides showing real skill with the wet ball in awful conditions.
Gwalia Lightning came out on top in the inaugural Celtic Challenge Welsh derby against Brython Thunder 🏉#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/dqWGBed63W
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) January 1, 2024