Celtic Challenge 2024/25: Round 4 Review

Edinburgh Rugby women’s team suffered their first defeat of the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge season, going down 40-19 against Clovers at Virgin Media Park.

The experienced Irish outfit showcased their quality from the get-go and led 21-5 at the break after a strong opening 40 minutes. Vice-captain and winger Hannah Walker continued her fine form with Edinburgh’s only score of the first-half.

Edinburgh continued to fight in the second period, and were able to grab further scores from Lauryn Walter and Cieron Bell however Clovers were too strong and ultimately ran out 40-19 winners.

It’s Edinburgh’s first defeat after three round rounds of action having picked up back-to-back bonus point wins over Glasgow Warriors and Brython Thunder.

Head Coach Claire Cruikshank said: “We always knew it was going to a battle coming to Cork and hats off to Clovers, they are a really strong outfit with a lot of experience, and they certainly took their chances this afternoon.

“I’m really proud of how we stayed in the fight and although the full-time scoreline might not suggest it, I saw plenty of growth and maturity in the way we battled, and we can really take the positives out of some our attacking play.

“This year’s Celtic Challenge is so competitive, and teams are continuing to improve week on week. We feel like we’re in a good place as a squad and we’re excited to return home for Round 4 as we take on Gwalia Lightning at Hive Stadium at the end of the month.”

Gwalia Lighting edged a 31-26 victory over Glasgow Warriors. The closely contested match in Wales saw both teams deliver high-quality rugby, with Gwalia clinching the win in the final moments.

The home side struck early, with Rhodd Parry crossing the try-line just three minutes in, converted by Carys Hughes. Glasgow responded at the 15-minute mark, as Briar McNamara finished a strong attack initiated by Mairi McDonald and Ceitidh Ainsworth. Gemma Bell and Sky Phimister added tries for Glasgow, with McNamara converting twice for a 19-7 halftime lead.

In the second half, Gwalia mounted a comeback. Alaw Pyrs scored early, followed by Courtney Greenway’s two late tries, earning Gwalia a bonus point. Glasgow’s McNamara added a fourth try for her side, but Gwalia’s relentless pressure paid off as Bryonie King’s last-minute try, converted by Hughes, sealed their victory.

Despite the loss, Glasgow earned two bonus points for scoring four tries and losing within seven.

Glasgow’s captain for the match Mairi McDonald shared her thoughts: “I thought the game today was a good showcase of how we can play. It was a physical game and Gwalia brought it to us, we adapted well and managed to score some nice tries. We have a week break now, so it’s a good time for us to review the game, look at what we can work on and continue to build on our performances. 

To get 2 bonus points is a great positive for us and now we have to keep improving as a full squad and we will look forward to seeing Gwalia again when they come to Scotstoun.”