| Gwalia Lightning: (12) 43 |
| Tries: King, Wilkins, M Davies, Constable, Reardon, K Davies, Parry Cons: Wilkins (4) |
| Glasgow Warriors: (5) 5 |
| Try: Anderson |
Gwalia Lightning secured fourth place in the Celtic Challenge with a bonus-point win against Glasgow Warriors.
First-half tries from captain Bryonie King and Robyn Wilkins put Gwalia 12-0 up at half-time, before Maisie Davies added a third early in the second half.
Sophie Anderson scored Glasgow’s first points after 49 minutes, before Abbey Constable’s try earned the crucial bonus point for Lightning in Belfast.
Late scores for Molly Reardon, Kate Davies and Rhod Parry sealed the win.
The Welsh side had made five changes from their last outing, a 36-24 defeat by top-of-the-table Wolfhounds, and were the better side throughout on Saturday.
Glasgow, who have not won a game in this year’s competition, struggled to cope with Lightning’s physicality as the Gwalia forwards turned in a clinical performance at Kingspan Stadium.
After 20 minutes without a score, the game finally burst into life when Lightning captain King powered over from close range, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Gwalia’s second try was a brilliant counter-attack down the right wing, with backs and forwards showing good hands and offloads before Wilkins crossed in the corner.
Lightning scored their third of the game when Davies bundled over from a few yards out after more good work from the forwards.
Glasgow did get on the board after 50 minutes, Anderson showing strength of her own to push two Lightning defenders back over their own line for the try.
But Gwalia were soon back on top, and Wales international Constable scored the crucial fourth try which earned a bonus point for Lightning.
They were not finished, however, and as the Warriors defence tired more gaps started to appear.
A brilliant training-ground move from a line-out brought about Lightning’s fifth try of the game, scored by hooker Reardon.
And the backs had their time to shine in the closing stages, wing Davies crossing in the left corner before full-back Parry ended her strong performance with a breakaway try.
Defeat ends the season for Glasgow, while Lightning are back in action against Brython Thunder in the final round of matches, which will be held at Llanelli’s Parc y Scarlets on 3 March.
Gwalia Lightning: Rhod Parry; Caitlin Lewis, Kelsie Webster, Jenna De Vera, Kate Davies; Robyn Wilkins, Sian Jones; Abbey Constable, Molly Reardon, Danyelle Dinapoli, Erin Jones, Bryonie King (capt), Maisie Davies, Katie Jenkins, Gwennan Hopkins
Replacements: Sophie Waugh, Mollie Crabb, Jenni Scoble, Alaw Pyrs, Tess Evans, Kierra Deeks, Rebecca De Filippo, Kim Thurlow.
Glasgow Warriors: Lucy MacRae; Roma Fraser, Claudia McLaren, Giselle Chicot, Sky Phimister; Ceitidh Ainsworth, Rhea Clarke (co-capt), Ailie Tucker, Nikki Simpson, Chloe Brown, Sophie Anderson, Ellie Williamson, Holland Bogan, Lucy Winter, Megan Hyland
Replacements: Karis Craig, Demi Swann, Eilidh Fleming, Emma Turner (co-capt), Alex Love, Izzy Hannay, Rebekah Douglas, Carla McDonald.
