Celtic Challenge 2024/25: Round 3 Review

Edinburgh Rugby Women secured a hard-fought 22-15 victory over Brython Thunder, maintaining their perfect start to the Celtic Challenge season with back-to-back bonus-point wins.

Number 8 Sam Taganekurukuru opened the scoring for Edinburgh after breaking through wide channels, followed by vice-captain Hannah Walker’s fourth try of the season. Scrum-half Rhea Clarke’s quick tap set up winger Cieron Bell to extend the lead, with Lucy MacRae converting to make it 17-0 at halftime.

Brython Thunder responded strongly in the second half. Full-back Hannah Lane crossed the try-line early, and Hannah Bluck followed with a powerful run to narrow the gap to 17-10. This resurgence jolted Edinburgh into action, and they regained momentum with quick hands and sharp execution in the Thunder 22, allowing Bell to grab her second try and secure the crucial bonus point.

Despite Bluck’s late second try, Edinburgh held firm to seal a 22-15 victory. Claire Cruikshank’s team showcased resilience and attacking flair, winning key physical battles and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

The victory keeps Edinburgh in contention at the top of the table, setting a strong tone for the season as they continue their unbeaten run.

For Glasgow Warriors, Round 3 ended in defeat. Wolfhounds claimed a dominant 48-7 victory.

Wolfhounds struck early, with Linda Djougang opening the scoring in the fourth minute after Eve Higgins broke through Glasgow’s defense. Dannah O’Brien’s successful conversion made it 7-0. Katie Corrigan added a second try at 15 minutes, finishing a well-executed lineout and attack on the right wing, with O’Brien again converting. Erin King extended the lead, exploiting gaps on the left wing for another try, though the conversion hit the post.

Glasgow showed flashes of strength in scrums and lineouts but struggled to convert opportunities into points. Wolfhounds capitalized, adding three more first-half tries from Niamh O’Dowd, and second efforts from Corrigan and King. O’Brien converted two of three, giving the hosts a commanding 36-0 halftime lead.

After the break, Glasgow’s defense improved, and captain Ailie Tucker scored their lone try off a strong scrum. Briar McNamara added the conversion. However, Wolfhounds continued their dominance with second-half tries from Higgins and Corrigan, completing her hat trick.

Glasgow impressed in scrums and tackles, with standout performances from Sky Phimister and Orla Proctor, but couldn’t match Wolfhounds’ clinical attack.