Edinburgh earn first-ever away victory whilst Glasgow make debut at home | Celtic Challenge Round 3 review

Glasgow Warriors 12 – 40 Wolfhounds

On Saturday, 13 January, Glasgow Warriors Women played their first home game at Scotstoun against the Irish outfit, Wolfhounds.

Despite two debut home tries for Phaedra Snailham and Louise McMillan the Glasgow side lost 12-40.

Scrum-half, Mairi McDonald spoke to glasgowwarriors.org after the game on how it was on the pitch.

“From the whistle, I think the girls worked really hard and pulled together well.  There were highs and lows throughout the game.

“I thought we were really good when we were on the front foot with ball in hand but the Wolfhounds were really strong and played really well.”

Stewartry Sirens, Phaedra Snailham’s try was a team effort as the Warriors worked the ball from one corner to the other along the Wolfhounds defence.  Speaking of this McDonald said, “Seeing Phaedra going over to score that try, was a highlight. Her first Glasgow Warriors try, it’s just so class to see.”

Phaedra Snailham (centre) celebrates her score.

The Warriors now have a weekend off after three weeks of games. Heading into this short break but slightly longer turnaround is a positive for McDonald.

“There is a lot to build on and we know that as a group.  There are definitely a few things to work on and take on going forward.  We are looking forward to the short rest and then playing again in two week’s time.”

905 people turned up to support the squad in their first ever game. Speaking on what the atmosphere was like at the game, McDonald said, “The crowd, the smoke and running out that tunnel was just unreal.  To see that crowd at home is class! Everyone coming together for is just great!”

Glasgow Warriors next fixture will see them take on the Clovers on Saturday 27 January, once again at their home ground of Scotstoun. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Edinburgh Rugby 22 – 17 Brython Thunder

Edinburgh Rugby women’s claimed an historic first win on the road, winning 22-17 against Brython Thunder at Parc Y Scarlets in Round 3 of the Celtic Challenge.

The side’s first-ever away match finished in perfect fashion, with Edinburgh claiming a bonus-point win having come from 12-0 down after an initial onslaught from the hosts.

With momentum all going the way of the hosts, Edinburgh turned on the screw at scrum time to wrestle back control. Building well, and with sustained pressure, the first score for the capital eventually came through loosehead prop Panashe Muzambe, the Scotland internationalist crashing over from close range.

Edinburgh quickly made it two tries through debutant Caity Mattinson. With her side firmly in the ascendancy decided to quick tap a penalty from five metres out, catching the home defence unawares to score.

After an end to end first half, Edinburgh entered the second with a renewed sense of purpose to dominate the half. Camped in the Thunder for the first 10 minutes of the half, the pressure finally told. Mattinson again quick tapped a penalty, before Edinburgh went through the hands to give number eight Freya Walker a simple finish in the corner.

Shortly after the try the hosts were reduced to 14, with Tromans seeing yellow for a deliberate knock on. Edinburgh made the advantage count immediately, with Cieron Bell running round the defence for a stunning score – her third in as many matches.

With the BP secured, Edinburgh were able to close out the game, with Emma Orr and Nicole Flynn showing sparks of brilliance to keep the pressure on the hosts.

Scottish Rugby Regional Training Centre supported players, Aila Ronald (University of Edinburgh) and Sophie Murphy (Stirling County), who both made their debuts for the club from the bench.

Edinburgh Rugby following their win against Brython Thunder.

Reflecting on the performance, Head Coach, Claire Cruikshank, said: “We are really pleased. I can’t say it was the prettiest of games, but when we had ball we did look dangerous. We didn’t manage momentum too well last week [against the Wolfhounds], but when Thunder went 12-0 up in this game nobody panicked and everyone was calm.

“Getting back to 12-12 was important and although they went up 17-12 at half-time, to turn things around and play pretty well in the second half was pleasing.

“[Two wins from three] is a brilliant start and then we will go again in a couple of weeks down in Wales again. The newer players to this level will have learned a lot in the last few weeks.

“We have talked about how much we have all learnt in that period and the exciting thing is there is so much more to come from this group once we really click.”

Edinburgh Rugby will return to action on Sunday 28 January when they face Gwalia Lightning at Cardiff Arms Park.