Wolfhounds Dominate Lightning with Eight-Try Victory in Celtic Challenge

Wolfhounds delivered a dominant eight-try victory over Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge, reaffirming their status as leaders after a prior upset loss. Lightning's losing streak continues despite new international players joining their squad.

Wolfhounds Secure Convincing Win Over Gwalia Lightning

Wolfhounds, the reigning champions of the Celtic Challenge, continued their strong form with an impressive eight-try performance against Gwalia Lightning. This victory marks a return to form following their unexpected 14-0 loss to Brython Thunder the previous week.

Tries were scored by Erin King, Katie Corrigan (2), Linda Djougang, Eve Higgins, India Daley, Amy Larn, and Stacey Flood. O'Brien successfully converted six of these tries, contributing significantly to the team's total score. At halftime, the Wolfhounds led 35-0, having secured a bonus point within the first thirty minutes through early tries by King, Corrigan, Djougang, and Higgins.

Gwalia Lightning managed a single try, scored by Bethan Lewis, who was among several new additions to the team, including Wales internationals Gwennan Hopkins and Abbie Fleming. Despite these reinforcements, Lightning struggled to halt their declining performance, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat, three of which occurred at their home ground in Ystrad Mynach. This losing streak has effectively ended their chances of hosting a semi-final match.

Despite the setback, Lightning is expected to finish the season within the play-off positions. Meanwhile, Glasgow and Brython Thunder remain in contention for a top-four finish, with final standings to be determined in the upcoming final round of regular competition during next weekend's derbies.

Team Line-Ups

Gwalia Lightning: Prothero; Richards, Webster, Anderson-Thomas, Lewis; Hughes, Jones; Scoble, Reardon, Hill, Pyrs, Pearce, Lewis, Owen, Hopkins
Replacements: Korsak, Thomas Bradley, Cuming, Fleming, Stewart, Shide, Hawkins, Greenway.

Wolfhounds: Flood; Corrigan, Dalton (capt), Higgins, Burns; O'Brien, Reilly, Djougang, Clenaghan, Barrett, Jordan, Smyth, Corcoran, King, Daley
Replacements: Roberts, Wilson, Atagamen, Chonchobhair, Casey, Connor, Farrell McCabe, Larn.