Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Round 6 Review

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Action during a Celtic Challenge match between Glasgow Warriors and Wolfhounds at Scotstoun Stadium, on February 01, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Calum Chittleburgh / SNS Group)

Gwalia Lightning 25 – 5 Edinburgh Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby endured a tough afternoon in Ystrad Mynach as they fell to a 26-5 defeat against a confident Gwalia Lightning. Despite an encouraging start, the Scottish side struggled to contain the attacking prowess of their Welsh opponents, who secured a bonus point victory.

The visitors got off to the perfect start when winger Hannah Walker crossed for the opening try after an excellent spell of phase play, showcasing Edinburgh’s intent to take the game to Gwalia. However, the hosts responded swiftly, with scrum half Sian Jones darting over to give Lightning a narrow 7-5 lead at halftime.

The second half proved to be a challenging one for Edinburgh as their defensive resilience was tested repeatedly. Skipper Bryonie King powered over from close range, before Wales international Caitlin Lewis demonstrated her pace with a stunning solo effort from halfway. A late fourth try from Courtney Greenway sealed an emphatic win for the Welsh side.

Despite the defeat, Edinburgh showed glimpses of their attacking ability and defensive grit. They will look to regroup and build on their positives as they continue their Celtic Challenge campaign, aiming to turn promising performances into victories in the coming weeks.

Aila Ronald in action against Gwalia Lightning.

Glasgow Warriors 21 – 64 Wolfhounds

Glasgow Warriors faced a formidable challenge at Scotstoun, succumbing to a 64-21 defeat against a clinical Wolfhounds side. Despite the scoreline, the Warriors demonstrated resilience and attacking intent, scoring three well-worked tries.

The hosts struck first through Briar McNamara, who powered over for a try and added the conversion. However, the Wolfhounds responded swiftly, with Leah Tarpey leveling the score after a well-executed move from a scrum. Glasgow remained competitive early on, with strong defensive efforts from Sky Phimister and Roma Fraser keeping the Irish attack at bay.

As the first half progressed, the visitors found their rhythm, exploiting defensive gaps to run in further tries through Eve Higgins, Aoife Wafer, and Linda Djougang, taking a commanding 26-7 lead into halftime.

Glasgow battled hard in the second half, with Ceitidh Ainsworth and Emily Coubrough crossing for impressive tries, showing the Warriors’ determination to fight until the final whistle. Despite their efforts, Wolfhounds continued to capitalise on opportunities, with Higgins completing a hat-trick and further scores from Katie Corrigan and Katie Whelan sealing the result.

Poppy Mellanby, try scorer for Glasgow.

Lindsey Smith, Glasgow Warriors’ head coach shared her post match thoughts: “Obviously the scoreline does not flatter us but, positives compared to the last time we played Wolfhounds were we scored more tries, we defended better at times but there is definitely work to be done in that area. 

“I think we have improved but there is still work that we need to do going into our game next weekend against Clovers.

“Some individuals that performed really well Poppy Mellanby, came in and made a difference to the game. Especially for that third try where she showed her foot work skills to get us out of the 22m deep into the other half with the support of Aicha Sutcliffe and Emily Coubrough going the distance. 

“We showed glimpses of what we can do in attack but we need to be better than we were today to get the results desired.”